Brief
Concertus were appointed to carry out the necessary re-modelling work to facilitate bringing the services together within one building.
Following the transfer of responsibility for the Coroner’s Court from the police to Suffolk County Council, a review of the facility was undertaken by the council. The review aimed to investigate whether the Court’s services could be geographically rationalised within one location. Following this, Concertus were appointed to carry out the necessary re-modelling work to facilitate bringing the services together within one building. We were appointed due to the breadth of our experience, and the fact that we could provide a multi-disciplinary service for the required disciplines to enable successful delivery.
Key Info
Type:
Feasibility, Masterplanning
Location:
Ipswich, Suffolk
Duration:
6 months
Client:
Suffolk County Council
Contractor:
SEH French
End User:
Ipswich Coroner’s Court
Disciplines:
Architecture, Building Services Design, Interior Architecture, Project Management, Quantity Surveying + Cost Consultancy, Structural + Civil Engineering
Imagery
Scope
We worked with a number of stakeholders on this project, including commercial tenants who occupied the building throughout construction.
Our experience and skill set meant we were able to advise and consult on how to deliver the most effective programme for the end-user, whilst minimising the impact on existing tenants. We were instrumental in establishing the client and end user’s requirements for the new facility. This led to the development of a thorough brief, aimed at meeting both present and future requirements for the Court. This meant the Concertus team was able to propose and implement a design that was fit for current requirements and had an element of future-proofing to enable the Court to take advantage of modern technology.
In addition, we had to obtain planning permission for change of use so that the area of Beacon House which housed the Coroner’s Court could be used by the public. We also worked closely with the IT team at Suffolk County Council to ensure their requirements were incorporated within the building infrastructure. For instance, additional cabling and screens were installed to enable live interviews and tele-conferencing, allowing the possibility of witnesses giving evidence remotely.
Alongside the remodelling of the Coroner’s Court, the project incorporated several refurbishment elements. These elements included replacing air conditioning units, installing a new ventilation system for the first floor, upgrading the lift, and providing energy efficient sensor lighting on the first floor.
Testimonial
“This is the first time a purpose made provision has been created in the county for the exclusive use of inquest hearings. This new facility will enable the team to work in a more streamlined way, making full use of modern digital technology and provide the best service possible for bereaved families in the county.”
Jane Parker, Head of Registrars Service & Lead Manager for Coroners Service, Suffolk County Council
Result
Delivered on time and to budget, the new Coroner’s Court is now a centralised hub for the multiple services provided.
The court now operates from modern facilities that provide a conducive, appropriate, and sympathetic environment for the Coroner’s team, professionals, volunteers, and visiting families.