CAMBRIDGE CROWN COURT MOVES TO NEW PREMISES

2 Jun 2004 04:15 PM

Cambridge's Crown Court moves to new premises on Monday 7 June.

The new court, which is on East Road, has three courtrooms, modern facilities, separate waiting areas for prosecution and defence, segregated circulation routes and the latest IT equipment. There is capacity to meet future workload demands.

It will improve services for victims and witnesses of crime, and ease the burden on courts throughout the eastern region. Other criminal justice agencies including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Probation Service - will be housed in the building.

Sir Ron de Witt, Chief Executive of the unified courts agency, said:

"The move to the new Crown Court is timely as it comes at a time when there is real need for expansion in the region. The increased capacity and modern facilities will enable more cases to be heard and reduce delays in trials. The new Crown Court's proximity to the new County Court will help court users who need to commute between the two.
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Court Service Group Manager, Mike Littlewood, said:

"Today's move is a very important step for the people in Cambridgeshire and will enhance court services in the area. The building has been designed with the aim of improving facilities for victims and witnesses of crime who often find attending court difficult and distressing."

Notes to Editors

1. The building is part of a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract by Modern Courts (East Anglia) Limited (formed by Mowlem PLC and Innesfree - a major city equity investor) to construct and manage new court buildings in Cambridge and Ipswich for a 25 year term.

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