A major milestone has been achieved in the construction of the new Inverness Justice Centre.
Main contractor Robertson has poured more than 5000 cubic metres of concrete to form the centre’s concrete frame, designed by architects Reiach and Hall. The site team is now set to embark on the next stage, which involves the internal building works as well as M&E finishing.
The facility has been tipped to change the way Highland residents interact with legal and support services. As well as providing modern court and tribunal facilities, a number of justice and support organisations will be based within Inverness Justice Centre. Specialist facilities for children and young people have also been incorporated into the design.
The Inverness Justice Centre is being delivered by Robertson in partnership with Wilmott Dixon. The project was procured through Scape National Major Works framework, which has now been superseded by Major Works Scotland.
Jeff Hedley, project director at Robertson Northern said, “Reaching our first milestone on this iconic project is something to be celebrated. To get to this stage has taken a huge amount of effort and skill, not only across our business but also with our subcontract partners, all with the ongoing support of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. The design of the Justice Centre is complex, and every detail needs to be given the attention and respect it deserves. We are delighted with how the build is going, as are the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and we look forward to marking the next milestone.
“This is the first purpose-built Justice Centre in Scotland and for Robertson to be appointed contractor is testament to the standards we set on all our builds. From a personal point of view, it’s a career highlight to be involved in a project that will change the way our legal system operates and the way the people of the Highlands will interact with the services offered through the Justice Centre.”
Eric McQueen, SCTS chief executive added, “We are encouraged at the progress in the development of the Inverness Justice Centre which is a unique opportunity to bring organisations together, focusing where practical on problem-solving approaches to reduce reoffending and increase the opportunity for community sentencing. The centre will represent the changing face of justice by including facilities and technology to remove the need for children to appear in person at court and to support the development of digital case management for summary crime in the future.”
Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive commented, “Robertson has reached an important milestone in the delivery of the new Inverness Justice Centre, as the core of the building starts to take shape. Once complete, the project will provide residents of the Highlands with a justice system that is accessible, modern and fit-for-purpose. By incorporating cutting edge technology, the new centre is creating a more efficient legal process for Scottish people. In addition, it will enable Inverness Castle, where the court service currently operates from, to open to the public helping to attract visitors to the city and boost the local economy.”
