Blackpool Magistrates' Court to close down ahead of schedule

The Chapel Street court has been closed since 1 November

Blackpool Magistrates' Court is to close earlier than expected after the discovery of unsafe concrete.

The court on Chapel Street has been closed since 1 November amid fears following the discovery of RAAC.

It was set for demolition at the end of the year as part of the £300m Blackpool Central leisure development plans.

It has now been deemed too costly to repair in the meantime, leaving Blackpool without a criminal court until a new £40m one is built in 2026.

Cases will be heard at other courts including Preston and Lancaster magistrates courts, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The existing courthouse, built in the 1960s, was due to close to make way for the next phase of the Blackpool Central leisure development.

It is due to be demolished along with the former Bonny Street police station.

The Chapel Street courthouse was already set to be demolished under plans for the town

Plans for the new courthouse on the former Devonshire Road Hospital site, which includes 10 courtrooms, were submitted in October.

The government awarded £40m of Levelling Up funding towards the development in November.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Having considered value for money to the taxpayer, we have decided to close the existing Blackpool Magistrates' and County Court buildings permanently, also helping to expedite the delivery of the new £300m Blackpool Central scheme.

"We'll provide the community with a modern, state-of-the-art court building fit for the future from early 2026.

"In the meantime, all hearings will be moved to other court buildings in Lancashire to minimise disruption."

A new £40m courthouse on Devonshire Road and Talbot Road is set to open in 2026

Preston Magistrates' Court, which is now open after being temporarily closed due to RAAC, has five courtrooms and two tribunal rooms.

Lancaster Magistrates' Court will also be able to help after a program of extension work.

Fleetwood Magistrates' Court will be available for civil and family cases only as it does not have custodial facilities.

The MoJ said the "overwhelming majority of users will be able to travel to these alternative locations within a reasonable timeframe".

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