London begins construction of high-tech justice hub

Construction has begun on a high-tech policing and justice hub in London. As the lead force investigating cyber- and economic crime nationally, the headquarters will equip the City of London Police with the tools needed to face the challenges of 21st century policing.

The City of London Corporation, the Ministry of Justice and the City of London Police are building the 45,785 square metre civic scheme to help boost the justice system’s work to crack down on fraud.

Advanced technologies

Funded and delivered by the City Corporation, the Salisbury Square development on Fleet Street will house the City of London Law Courts and headquarters for the City of London Police using the latest technologies.

Designed by Eric Parry Architects it is due to be completed in 2026. The new buildings will have a design life of 125 years, more than double that of a standard commercial development.

The development will target a Breeam sustainability rating of “excellent” and more than 99 per cent of materials from the previous buildings have been reclaimed to be reused and recycled.

“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”

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.

Home to 2,500 jobs – 400 of which will be newly created – the scheme will generate an estimated £51m in productivity benefits per year.

“Fraud is now the most common crime in the UK, costing the economy billions every year and causing misery for businesses and individuals,” said policy chairman at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward. “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.