A key milestone in the project that will see a new justice centre delivered to Inverness has been reached, as workmen for main contractor Robertson poured more than 5,000 cubic metres of concrete to form the centre’s complex concrete frame.
The landmark construction project, replacing court facilities at the city castle. is earmarked to conclude late next year.
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.
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“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.”
At present Inverness Castle serves as the city’s courthouse.
The new £23 million Justice Centre, located in the Longman area of the Highland capital, is set to take over in providing modern court and tribunal facilities. The facility is to also host an array of justice and support organisations aimed at providing integration facilities for victims, witnesses, litigants and other users.
Specialist features for children and young people have also been incorporated into the building’s design.
Eric McQueen, chief executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, said: “We are encouraged at the progress in the development of the Inverness Justice Centre which is a unique opportunity to bring organisations together, focussing 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.”
