Winner of the Royal Institute of British Architects LRSA Design Award 2009

Stephen George & Partners has designed a “model” Magistrates’ Court for HM Court Service (HMCS) in Loughborough. The £15.5 million development is arranged over three floors – a total area of around 37,000 sq ft (3,437 sq m.)  It is a high spec scheme occupying a site of approximately 1.5 acres (0.59 ha), providing four court rooms and assembly hall, a custody area with cells, private open plan offices, consultation and waiting rooms, robing and retiring rooms and a van dock.

Our designs for the court reflect its important civic status, while being approachable and easy to use. The new development has been tipped as a model for future linear magistrates courts. The scheme was designed in accordance with the high environmental assessment standards set by HMCS and needed to achieve a BREEAM rating “Excellent”. External materials include high quality reconstituted stone panels and facing brick. Pre oxidised, copper clad brise soleil hang 2 metre away from the front of the building and the external walls of the courtrooms are similarly clad with copper.