New magistrates court gets the go-ahead

A new £36 million magistrates court for Wolverhampton has been approved, despite fears up to 120 city centre car parking spaces could be lost as a result.

The development on the corner of Darlington Street and Ring Road St Mark's will see spaces in nearby Fold Street reduced from 298 to 172.

The complex will feature 15 court rooms, offices, secure accommodation for magistrates and judges, 28 cells, staff car park and waiting rooms. It will have around 100 staff and replace the existing magistrates court in North Street.

Wolverhampton City Council's planning committee was told yesterday three protest letters had been received highlighting the loss of parking spaces, the alleged detrimental effect on the nearby listed Darlington Street Methodist Church and a suggestion the whole scheme was a waste of money.

Wulfrun Centre manager Colin Quinton warned earlier: "Wolverhampton needs more car parking spaces, not less.

"This could have a serious impact on their customer numbers and sales. If people have to struggle to get a car parking spot they will simply go elsewhere like Birmingham or the Merry Hill Centre."

Workmen have already moved on to Fold Street car park to start preliminary work on the project, including diverting a sewer and marking routes for construction traffic.

Twenty-four parking spaces are being temporarily cordoned off during demolition work although the number could increase.

The move comes despite funding for the project being withdrawn indefinitely by the Government.

Zoe Campbell, spokeswoman with Her Majesty's Court Service, said the early preparation would mean building work could start within days of the cash being approved.

She said: "As a result of the current economic climate, the construction phase of the planned court is to be deferred. We intend to complete the design and carry out low-level enabling works so that we can proceed without further delay once funding is available."