There was a clear need for the project

2.1  The Service carried out a feasibility study in 1993 to examine the scope for extending and refurbishing the Crumlin Road site. This study indicated that such a development was too expensive (£35 million for six courts), would involve the acquisition of land outside the existing site and would not meet the Service's anticipated needs. In July 1994, the Service was minded to close Crumlin Road because of:

  the age of the building and its natural deterioration;

  the likely future increase in jury trials (scheduled offences, mostly relating to terrorism, were tried by a judge sitting without a jury) and the inability of a number of the existing courts to accommodate jury trials;

  unacceptable circulation routes for judiciary, jurors, witnesses, staff, public and prisoners;

  the generally unsatisfactory or non-existent facilities for a variety of court users.

2.2  In 1995, the Service established a Working Group to review all court requirements in the Belfast area. This Group concluded that a new court complex should be developed, catering for six Crown Courts, one County Court and one Coroner's Court. The Crumlin Road Court was closed in June 1998, following a condition report that demonstrated increased safety risks from falling masonry both internally and externally.