Temporary 'Nightingale' courtroom set to open at Birmingham Library and Repertory Theatre
A temporary "Nightingale" courtroom has been created in Birmingham in a bid to tackle the backlog caused by the impact of coronavirus.
Government chiefs made the move to transform Birmingham Library and Repertory Theatre into a court to tackle outstanding cases.
A total of nine more courtrooms will be created in a bid to alleviate pressure on courts – and forms part of a £30 million investment.
Birmingham Library and Repertory Theatre will start hearing cases this week with other venues opening by the end of January.
The new sites will hear non-custodial crime cases, as well as civil, family and tribunals work – and will free up more room in existing courts.
It will allow those courts to hear other cases –including custodial jury trials which require cells and secure dock facilities, chiefs have said.
Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland QC MP said: "From the outset of the pandemic this Government has been clear that justice must continue to be done and delivered as swiftly as possible.
"These new Nightingale courts will help to boost capacity and reduce the delays caused by this virus. Magistrates’ backlogs are falling, Crown Courts are hearing more cases each week, and we are investing millions in the system to ensure we can drive this recovery further."
It forms part wider measures designed to help the judicial system – including the recruitment of 1,600 more court staff, rolling out technology, and installing temporary jury rooms across the country to enable more trials to be heard safely.
