An unused office building in Reading town centre could soon become a court if plans to prepare it for use are approved.
The Carbon Building – previously BDO – Kings Road underwent a year-long major refurbishment in 2019, but has been vacant since then.
The Court & Tribunals Service wants to create a law court with 10 court chambers, offices and an internal lift.
The ground, first and second floors would each have three court chambers, with a single chamber located on the fourth floor.
Outside, windows would be obscured, and security features such as bollards would be installed, with new ramps for disabled access and a new gated entrance to the car park at Highbridge Wharf.
The Ministry of Justice also wants to use Highbridge House, which is connected to The Carbon Building, as accommodation for the staff and judiciary.
A planning agent said: “As the areas of the building used by the staff and judiciary are required to be segregated from the public until all parties reach the Courtroom, there is a need for a new lift to be provided on the secure side.”
Once the planned works are complete, the County and Family Court in Friar Street will be moved into The Carbon Building and Highbridge House.
The Carbon Building was bought by the Ministry of Justice in June 2022.
The project is set to be decided by the council’s planning applications committee on Wednesday, April 24.
As Highbridge House is Grade II listed the Ministry of Justice also needs separated listed building consent.
Highbridge House was listed in 1978 due to its ‘architectural significance’ reflected in its Doric columned doorway in Highbridge Wharf.
The house dates back to the 1800s, with it featuring on the Goad Insurance Map of Reading from 1895.
Listed building consent for changes to Highbridge House has been applied for under application 231191.
The whole project has been recommended for approval by planning officer Ethne Humphreys, who judged the project to be acceptable in terms of local and national policies and welcomed the preservation of Highbridge House.
County Courts hear civil cases, examples of which include personal injury, defamation, and some landlord-tenant dispute cases.
Family Courts hear child and vulnerable adult custody cases, relationships and other family matters.
The application can be seen by searching for reference 231190 in the council’s planning portal.
