Major milestone for justice centre project
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The construction of Inverness Justice Centre has reached an important stage in the building process.
Main building contractor Robertson Northern has completed the centre’s complex frame, having poured more than 5000 cubic metres of concrete to form the structure.
Robertson is currently preparing for the next stage of construction, which involves internal building works as well as mechanical and electrical finishing.
Robertson’s project director Jeff Hedley 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."
The centre will provide modern court and tribunal facilities, as well as a range of support organisations.
Specialised facilities will be available for victims, witnesses, litigants and other justice centre users.
Children and young people’s facilities have also been incorporated into the design of the building.
Eric McQueen, of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals 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 re-offending 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."
The centre has been designed by architects Reiach and Hall.
