Liverpool Coroner’s Court is set to move from St George’s Hall.
A report to the council’s Cabinet meeting on Friday 25 April is recommending that the service moves to the former Community Justice Centre on Boundary Street in Kirkdale.
The proposal is partly a result of the Hall’s growing success as a venue for a wide range of events including weddings, parties, corporate events and music recitals, which is starting to impact on the Coroner’s service.
It will also provide it with a modern court setting to better meet growing casework demands.
Nick Kavanagh, Director of Regeneration, said: “We are conscious that attending hearings at the Coroner’s Court is a difficult and distressing time for people, and are sensitive to the fact that the increasing number of events means that the Hall is becoming much busier than it used to be.
“We have been looking for some time at finding suitable, more modern accommodation which will enable the service to be provided elsewhere, and the Community Justice Centre meets the requirements.
“This move will also secure the long-term future of the building in a key area of north Liverpool when the current occupiers move out.”
Liverpool Senior Coroner André Rebello added: “I am pleased that alternative accommodation has been found for the Coroner’s Court Service and our team will be working closely with the city council to make sure the transfer is as smooth as possible.
“The council is to be congratulated for responding promptly to the legislative emphasis in the new Coroners Act around the need for suitable accommodation. This modern facility will put bereaved people at the centre of Coroner investigations.”
The building, which is owned by the Archdiocese of Liverpool, is considered appropriate as it was refurbished in 2006 when it opened as a court and meeting rooms.
There is also scope to share part of the accommodation with other council services and public bodies to minimise the annual running costs.
The Coroner’s service has been based at St George’s Hall since 2011 after it relocated from the Cotton Exchange on Old Hall Street.
If approved, the service will move in May 2014.
