This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Aberdeen Sheriff Court refurbishment
19/01/2004
Aberdeen's court facilities are to get a £6.7
million facelift, it was announced today.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said the money is to
be invested by theScottish CourtService in the refurbishment ofAberdeen Sheriff Court.
Ms Jamieson said the transformation of the court
would provide victims, witnesses and their families
with modern, decent facilities that will support the
delivery of justice.
Minister for Justice Cathy Jamieson said:
"The Scottish Executive is committed to tackling
serious crime wherever it arises. As well as
providing substantial resources to the police and
prosecution services we are also prepared to invest in the
court infrastructure where this is needed. This is a
significant investment to improve court facilities in
Aberdeenwhich will also be of benefit to the wider Grampian
area.
"I welcome this refurbishment which will go a long
way to enhancing the facilities for victims, witnesses as
well as those for members of the public who require to
attendAberdeen Sheriff Court. It should also speed up results for victims and
families and reduce unnecessary stress for witnesses. The
improved facilities will help in delivering a justice
system that is fair for victims, fair for witnesses, fair
for jurors - while upholding the right to a fair trial for
the accused."
Increasing levels of criminal business mean that
there is a need to enhance Aberdeen Sheriff Courts current
jury court facilities. The opportunity is also
being taken to provide better facilities for witnesses and
victims, in line with the Scottish Executives modernisation
of Scotlands High Courts.
To meet the needs of vulnerable witnesses and
victims, a self-contained suite will provide privacy and
enable evidence to be given remotely from the courtroom.
The refurbishment will also provide two new jury
courtrooms, along with ancillary accommodation, allowing
the Sheriff Court and High Court to sit
simultaneously.
Work will commence on19 January 2004on the refurbishment of the former bank building
inCastle Street,Aberdeen, opposite theSheriff Court. The project has been awarded to Mansell Ltd
and is expected to take 67 weeks with completion due in
summer 2005.