Osborne remodels and refurbishes Isleworth Crown Court
(19/05/2009)

Osborne has completed the £15.2 million remodelling and refurbishment of Isleworth Crown Court in Middlesex for Her Majesty's Courts Service (HMCS).

The works comprised a two-storey extension to form six new Crown Court rooms and a further four single-storey extensions to provide increased custody accommodation, jury assembly area, administration facilities and an officers’ lounge. A new secure circulation route is in place to convey defendants from the cells to the new courts and the existing consultation areas, where defendants meet their advocates, have been extended and refurbished.

Six new lifts, full air conditioning, intelligent lighting, automatic emergency testing and full Building Management System control have been installed to provide a state-of-the-art facility for users.

Steve Cottrell, Regional Manager for Osborne’s Construction Division said: “This was a very challenging project as work had to be carried out without disrupting or compromising the operation of the courts. In addition the site is within a residential and conservation area and has restricted access.”

To achieve the high acoustic performance needed in the courtrooms, the frame was cast in situ and post tensioned, then clad in brick and block work, which in turn was clad in terracotta and zinc. The courts and public areas have also been fitted out with high quality bespoke carpentry and high specification wall and floor finishes creating a stunning visual impact.

Once Osborne began work on the project, it was also awarded a further contract to install a full fire alarm and fire detection system and to extend and improve the Judges Dining Room.

The site received a ‘performance beyond compliance’ award from the Considerate Constructors Scheme and was praised in particular for keeping local residents informed of what was going on – including newsletters and a site tour, important safety notices printed in appropriate languages for the site staff and the quality of the staff ‘toolbox’ talks.