Blackpool Magistrates’ Court closes permanently after discovery of RAAC
updated on 23 January 2024
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Blackpool Magistrates’ Court has been permanently closed after it was deemed too costly to repair, following the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The closure leaves the town without a criminal court until 2026.
The court was set for demolition at the end of 2024, as part of plans to develop Blackpool Central leisure. Therefore, plans are already in place for the development of a new court, which was allocated £40 million of Levelling Up funding by the government in November.
Following the closure, cases will be heard across different courts in Lancaster, including:
- Lancaster Magistrates’ Court, which will be able to hear more cases after a programme of extension work; and
- Fleetwood Magistrates’ Court, which will take on civil and family cases because it doesn’t have custodial facilities.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Having considered value for money to the taxpayer, we have decided to close the existing Blackpool Magistrates' and County Court buildings permanently, also helping to expedite the delivery of the new £300 million Blackpool Central scheme.
“We'll provide the community with a modern, state-of-the-art court building fit for the future from early 2026."
