Middlesex Guildhall identified as preferred Supreme Court site
The Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer said today that Middlesex Guildhall, which is on the opposite side of Parliament Square to the Houses of Parliament, was the Government’s preferred site for the proposed new Supreme Court.
In a written statement, Lord Falconer, said: “The location and the setting for the UK Supreme Court should be a reflection of its importance and its place at the apex of the justice system.
“Providing the Supreme Court with its own building provides a physical demonstration of the separation between the judiciary and the legislature.
“Establishing the Supreme Court in the Palace of Westminster would be entirely inappropriate.”
The decision is not set in stone, as planning approval will have to be sought – both from Westminster Council and from English Heritage (for alterations to the building.)
Lord Falconer was keen to emphasise this, saying: “I should stress that Middlesex Guildhall is my preferred option. As the detailed designs are developed I will need to remain satisfied that they fully meet the operational requirements of a modern Supreme Court.”
Today’s announcement came after it was agreed with Law Lords that the new court would have to be at least 3,500 square meters and a list of 48 possible properties was narrowed down to two preferred options – Middlesex Guildhall and Somerset House.
The court will not be established until a building is ready to house it the Minister said – probably in 2008.
The total cost of establishing the Supreme Court in Middlesex Guildhall is estimated at £30 million, including construction costs, professional fees and VAT, with running costs estimated at £8.8 million a year.
