The main court for the whole of Berkshire is due to undergo a major project to make better use of its space.
The main court for Berkshire is set for a major transformation to optimise its space. Reading Crown Court, established in 1861, has a long history of serving justice in the county. Originally a site for assize courts, it became a permanent Crown Court in 1971, with an extension added in the 1990s.
Upcoming changes will create new facilities, including a courtroom for criminal convictions. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), responsible for the court, will oversee the project, which mainly involves internal modifications.
Enhancements include a new crown court hearing room, a virtual hearing room, a jury deliberation room, two consultation rooms, and video link facilities. Ancillary rooms such as toilets and a baby changing area will also be added.
The redevelopment focuses on the newer section of the court building. External updates will include improved ventilation and a new entrance door. The project has received approval from Reading Borough Council.
Planning officer Marcelina Rejwerska stated that the internal changes are contained within the less historically significant extension, making them acceptable.
Recently, the MoJ revised the internal layout, relocating a reception desk and modifying security partitions, with these changes awaiting council review.
Reading Crown Court has been the site for significant convictions, including the cases of Mary Anne-Leneghan, a schoolgirl murdered in 2005, and Joanne Rand, the victim of a fatal acid attack in 2018.
To find the application details for the ground floor adjustments, refer to PL/25/1209, and for the approved project, type in PL/24/1462 on the council’s planning portal.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
