But some problems with the building remain unresolved

1.5 Although the Service has identified a number of benefits, there are a number of unresolved issues with the building:

Water ingress - the Service has expressed ongoing concern about the roof and the number of defects occurring. The roof has been patched several times and a major leak has occurred over Court 12. An electronic survey of the roof reported a number of minor puncture holes. Although the courts continue to be used despite the water ingress and some difficulties with the damp proof course in the curtain wall, over £1,200 has been abated from the unitary charge for unavailability.

Sight lines - some jury members were obstructed from viewing witnesses by the location of Senior Counsel's benches. The obstructed view applied to all 6 Crown Courts. The Service continued to use the courts, but declared the courtrooms to be technically unavailable as they did not meet requirements. Consul claim that the courtrooms were used and therefore the non-availability abatement does not apply. The Crown Courts have now been reconfigured by Consul at a cost of some £90,000. The Service and Consul are in discussions but have not as yet agreed a financial settlement.