Carillion is to begin work on a new £30m Magistrates Court facility in Manchester, after the G4CSG consortium secured financial close on the PFI project.

G4CSG, comprising of Carillion, security and services specialists Group 4 Falck and investment bank Societe Generale, will manage the design, construction, financing and operation of the project for Manchester City Council and the Lord Chancellor’s Department.

Replacing the existing courthouse - built 30 years ago - the new facility will provide 18 courtrooms, a Coroner’s Court and support facilities for 180 staff.

Executive director of Carillion, Euan McEwan, responsible for PFI commented: “This is the first PFI project that Carillion and its consortium partners have won in the court sector and we are delighted to have reached financial close.”

Minister at the Lord Chancellor's Department, Jane Kennedy, also welcomed the progress: “I am delighted that the contract to build new magistrates' courts in Manchester has been signed. This scheme demonstrates the contribution PFI can make to improving standards of service.

“The new building, expected to open early in 2004, will ensure proper access for disabled people, provide separate waiting rooms for victims of crime and defendants, and improve security.”

The scheme is one of a programme of thirteen PFIs being sponsored by the Government to build and refurbish magistrates' courts all over England and Wales.

Jessica Jarlvi

www.carillionplc.com