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Search the Public Notice PortalThe latest in a series of extensive repair and refurbishment works in the historic Taunton Crown Court has been given the go-ahead, writes Phil Hill.
The project is part of a near £12 million scheme to repair the premises’ façade, roof, and internal structures, including rebuilding the floors in the two courtrooms.
The courts, which are leased to the Ministry of Justice by owner Somerset Council, have been closed since September 2023 and will not reopen before July this year at the earliest.
The council has now given conditional approval to the latest plans at the Grade II listed Shire Hall.
Announcing the decision, the council said: “The proposed works would ensure that Taunton Crown Court remains a functional, compliant, and sustainable facility for modern judicial use while safeguarding its special architectural and historic interest.
“The upgrades would address essential operational needs, including improved security, accessibility, and circulation, all of which are required by current Ministry of Justice standards.
“Without these interventions, the building would struggle to support contemporary court functions, which in turn would place its long-term use and conservation at risk.”
It added any unavoidable impacts on the listed fabric would be “minor” and “carefully managed to avoid harm”.
But most of the important historic features, such as original panelling, gallery structures, traditional joinery, and the spatial volumes of the courtrooms, will remain in place.
“Overall, the proposals would facilitate the continued active occupation and maintenance of this Grade II listed building, support its ongoing preservation and delivering clear public benefits that would outweigh the limited heritage impact,” said a council report.
The work will involve improving access to the courtrooms, bringing safety measures up to date, and installing new fire doors and security upgrades to prevent prisoners escaping from the docks.
The building will be fully redecorated and re-carpeted, while the extensive work aims to halt further deterioration from water penetration and structural failings.
Cases have not been heard in Taunton Crown Court since it closed for the renovation and repair works over two years ago.
They have instead taken place primarily at the North Somerset Courthouse, in Worle, near Weston-super-Mare.
