Please note that Magistrates' Blog has resumed normal service across on my original blog here: https://magistrates.blogspot.com

The content here at Magistrates' Law and Procedure will be retained for archive purposes.

Many thanks to all readers for taking the time to visit and read my musings. Your continued support is very much appreciated.

- Magistrates' Blogger

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

24 October 2023

RAAC Discovered at Doncaster Magistrates' Court

Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been discovered at Doncaster Magistrates' Court.

This is now the ninth court building identified as containing the pumice-like construction material.

Weighing less than half of conventional concrete, RAAC first found favour as a cheaper alternative in the 1950s. Over the last few months there have been several instances of RAAC structures failing, which has resulted in the sudden collapse of ceilings.

A spokesman for His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service said: "RAAC presence is rare across the court estate - of over 350 buildings, only nine sites have been identified that currently contain this material, and local staff and judiciary are aware."

HMCTS is undertaking an extensive monitoring programme of buildings across the estate.

The following court buildings, most of which fit the description of "concrete monstrosity", have been identified as containing RAAC:

  • Doncaster Magistrates' Court (Doncaster Justice Centre North)
  • Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court
  • Blackpool County Court
  • Blackpool Magistrates' Court
  • Crewe Magistrates' Court
  • Preston Magistrates' Court
  • Queen Elizabeth II Law Courts (Liverpool)
  • Inner London Crown Court
  • Harrow Crown Court

Most of these courts continue to operate as whilst remedial work is taking place.

Other brutalist concrete monstrosities I suggest HMCTS takes a closer look at: Gateshead Law Courts, Oxford Magistrates' Court and Northampton Magistrates' Court.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for making a comment. We love to hear your opinion on what we write, be it positive or negative. Unfortunately, due to previous abuse of our comment system, it is necessary for us to approve each comment before it is published. We will only approve comments that are well composed. Please only enter your comment once and wait patiently while we approve it.