The Service's requirements changed

2.3  In October 1997, arising from consultation with key stakeholders, the Service's advisers reported that it was feasible to add in Belfast and Newtownabbey Magistrates' Court to the project brief because they were inadequate for current needs and there was a growing requirement to deal with family matters in separate and confidential accommodation.

The Project Board considered the implication of these changes. The 16 court complex was more costly than the 8 court complex originally envisaged (Figure 9). Estimates prepared by the Service's advisers indicated that the capital cost was some £16 million and the annual Unitary Service Charge was £1.2 million a year greater than the original proposal. However, the Service was also mindful of the fact that the estimated cost of a larger complex of courts was still within the cost of refurbishing and providing six courts at the existing Crumlin Road Courthouse. The Project Board subsequently decided, in November 1997, that a 16 Court Complex comprising 6 Crown Courts, 4 County Courts and 6 Magistrates Courts should be developed on the site.