Agenda item

Report of the City Surveyor

The Sub-Committee received a report of the City Surveyor which updated Members on the Programme of Works on the City of London Magistrates’ Court.  Members noted that this report had also been presented to the Magistry Sub Committee earlier this week.

Members noted the following headlines in respect of: the Additional Works Programme (AWP) for 2016/17; the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP) for 2017/18; basement water ingress; exterior refurbishment programme (capital project); Additional HMCT works; feasibility into use of Magistrates’ Court and Funding. 

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

• In respect of the new court in Castle Baynard Ward, which was now in the public domain, the Remembrancer advised that a feasibility study was being undertaken by the City Surveyor, Town Clerk and others, and the findings would be reported on at the relevant Committee(s), including the Courts Sub Committee.  Members noted that the estimated timeline for completion would be approximately 3 years and, therefore, the interim works set out in his report were necessary. (2)

• Officers reminded Members of the recent closures of the Camberwell and Hammersmith Magistrates’ Courts and the resultant increase in cases being heard at the City of London’s Magistrate’s Court.

• The Head of Operations for Mansion House and the Central Criminal Court agreed to check who was responsible for the Lord Mayor’s Plate and the Chief Magistrate’s Mace in Court 1. (3)

• The Sheriff explained that the Magistrates’ gowns were in poor condition, being 10 years old and, therefore, if this tradition were to be maintained, it would need to be funded the City of London Corporation.

• Members asked if a tour of the Old Bailey could be arranged. (4)

RESOLVED – That the report be received.