The initial stage of a 10-year modernisation programme at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) is being hailed as a major success by the City of London Corporation and WSP, the engineering consultancy leading the project.

Central heating, air conditioning, hot water, and electrical systems have been replaced and modernised at the world’s most famous criminal court, which is owned and managed by the City of London Corporation. New lifts and a state-of-the-art computer-based building management system have also been installed.

WSP, which is working with a group of consultants on the £37.5m programme, has announced today that the first phase has been completed on time and within budget. A key challenge has been to ensure that disruption to court operations was kept to an absolute minimum, and that the high levels of security in the building were never compromised, says the team.

Other key parties involved in the work include main contractor, Interserve Engineering Services; building services and structural engineers, AECOM; quantity surveyor, Gleeds; and architectural practice, HOK.

Sheriff of London Alderman William Russell, who works at the Central Criminal Court, said:

“WSP and its team should be commended for its work on this major project and not least, for finishing it ahead of our deadline, within budget, and with considerable enthusiasm. The new systems will create a far more comfortable and sustainable environment for everyone who works in, and attends, this historic building.”

Simon Howson, Associate Director of WSP and Clients’ Representative for the modernisation programme, said:

“We are very proud to have successfully completed this key phase of such a prestigious refurbishment contract at one of London’s landmark heritage-listed buildings. The collaborative nature of these works suited our project management approach perfectly and as a team, we faced and overcame many challenges to ensure that the project satisfied the City of London Corporation’s objectives. My colleagues and I are looking forward to continuing to work with the City of London Corporation and within The Old Bailey.”

The City of London Corporation aims to keep the City of London and the wider capital attractive and globally competitive by providing excellent public services. This commitment includes managing and funding the Central Criminal Court, the venue for the UK’s highest profile criminal cases.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1452 / Mobile: 07795 333060 / Email andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as a world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in, and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include the Barbican Centre, Barbican Music Library, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Library, Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre, London Metropolitan Archives, a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and Millennium Bridge), Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey, over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. The City of London Corporation is London’s Port Health Authority and also runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. For more details, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk