Manchester City Council has selected the G4CSG consortium, which includes Carillion, as the preferred provider for a new £30 million Magistrates Court facility in Manchester to be built and operated under the Private Finance Initiative.

The G4CSG consortium comprises Carillion, security company Group 4 and investment bank Societe Generale.

The existing courthouse, which was built in the early 1970s, is no longer suitable for the needs of the Manchester Magistrates Courts Committee. The new facility will comprise 18 courtrooms, a Coroners Court, and support facilities for 180 staff.

As part of the proposed Spinningfields Development, the completion of the court building will initiate the rejuvenation of the whole Crown Square site, with the ultimate aim of integrating this site into the city centre.

Preferred provider negotiations have already commenced for the Manchester Magistrates Court project and Financial Close is anticipated later this year.