Eric Parry’s impressive hit-rate on projects in the Square Mile continued this week as The City of London Corporation unveiled plans for a new court and police complex on Fleet Street. 

 

The proposals will see a flagship 18-courtroom facility and a new headquarters for the City of London Police, along with a commercial development to help fund it. The masterplan and design work is being undertaken by a team led by architects Eric Parry Architects, also behind the 73 storey 1 Undershaft, The Garden at 120 at Fen Court, and 50 Fenchurch Street, with many observers suggesting the project is a key one in London maintaining its pre-eminence as a centre of law. 

 

Speaking as initial consultation around the proposals was launched, Courts Minister Chris Philp MP said: ‘London is the global leader in law. People the world over choose English law for their contracts and London’s courts for dispute resolution. Our legal system is an essential part of our economy. 

This new court will strengthen our justice system and help us crack down on fraud and economic crime. It will enhance our global reputation, attracting even more of the world’s most dynamic companies to conduct their business here. I encourage you to have your say on the consultation for this new court centre in Fleet Street.’

 

The masterplan for the site proposes three individual buildings, the position of each responding to site conditions, constraints, and opportunities. The new court facility will have its main entrance on Fleet Street and aims to create ‘a high-quality civic frontage on this important London thoroughfare’.  It will house significantly improved facilities for users and staff and ‘be equipped to deliver justice in the modern age, focussing on but not restricted to, economic crime and fraud’. HM Courts and Tribunal Service will take a long lease from the City of London Corporation for a peppercorn rent.

 

Catherine McGuinness, Chair of the Policy and Resources Committee at the City of London Corporation said:

 

‘Maintaining London’s position as a world leading centre for legal services is essential as we lay the foundations for our economic recovery. This project aims to deliver a new civic hub that will house a state-of-the-art combined court and a new headquarters for the City of London Police in the heart of the Square Mile’s legal and financial services cluster. 
 

It will serve to reinforce our reputation as a place to do business and ensure we are able to adapt to the changing demands placed on the justice system. It will also be transformational for the Fleet Street area, opening up new vistas and public spaces by rejuvenating a tremendously historic area.’

 

Ian Dyson QPM, Commissioner of the City of London Police added:

 

‘As the UK’s lead for policing economic crime, a new state-of-the-art operationally effective headquarters will meet the needs and challenges of the City of London Police’s fast evolving brief to protect all the communities it serves, in the City of London and nationally. 

Designed in close consultation with officers, the new HQ will allow the force to be as efficient and effective as possible, embracing technological advancement and smart working practices to better serve and protect the public.’