This project, for the design, build, finance and operation of new accommodation for Avon and Somerset Courts and Avon and Somerset Probation Service, was a cross-departmental PFI contract involving the Department for Constitutional Affairs (Her Majesty’s Courts Service) and the Home Office – with HMCS being responsible for the courts and the Home Office for the Probation Service.

The £45 million project covers two sites, one at Bristol and another at Worle in North Somerset. The Bristol facility forms part of a redevelopment project, which includes a new central bus station and an elevated slab upon which much needed key worker and student accommodation will be developed. This complex includes 11 courtrooms, a probation service suite and office accommodation.

Two further facilities have been constructed at Worle – a five courtroom complex and a separate headquarters building, containing administration and training facilities for the Courts Authority and offices for the probation service.

John Laing provided 40% of the equity for the project, which became fully operational in September 2007, and other equity providers were Bank of Scotland Corporate and Amey Ventures. Amey Business Services provide both the hard and soft facilities management under a 25 year contract.