Construction begins on high-tech City justice and policing hub

The City of London Corporation, the Ministry of Justice and the City of London Police celebrated the start of construction on a 45,785 sqm civic scheme to boost the justice system’s work to crack down on fraud.

Funded and delivered by the City Corporation, the Salisbury Square Development on Fleet Street will house the City of London Law Courts and a state-of-the art headquarters for the City of London Police.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Brandon Lewis, today unveiled the foundation stones for the development, designed by Eric Parry Architects, which is due to be completed in 2026.

With 18 courtrooms, the City of London Law Courts will combine magistrates, civil and crown courts in one flagship facility. The courts will harness new technology and modern ways of working to try economic crime cases.

As the lead force investigating cyber and economic crime nationally, the new headquarters will equip the City of London Police with the tools needed to face the challenges of 21^st century policing.

Home to 2,500 jobs – 400 of which will be newly created – the scheme will generate an estimated £51 million in productivity benefits (Gross Value Added) per year.

Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:

“Fraud is now the most common crime in the UK, costing the economy billions every year and causing misery for businesses and individuals.

“By strengthening our capability to crack down on economic crime, we will enhance the City’s reputation as a world-leading location to do business and keep consumers across the UK safe from fraud.

“The Salisbury Square Development will play a vital role in ensuring we can adapt to the changing demands of policing and delivering justice, supporting the UK economy and helping attract international business.”

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP, said:

“The City of London Law Courts represent a vision of how justice will work in future – with modern, innovative and flexible courts in fit for purpose buildings. 

“The Salisbury Square Development symbolises our place as one of the leading centres for business, law and justice as we ensure that the UK remains attractive to global business and investment.”