COLCHESTER Magistrates’ Court does not quite hark back to the days of Charles Dickens, but it could be better.

That’s the view of Mike Littlewood, eastern area director for Her Majesty’s Court Service, who believes the listed building is not fit for the 21st century.

Earlier this month, Colchester Council’s planning committee gave approval for a new £30million courthouse to be built on part of St Botolph’s car park.

Instead of having two courtrooms in Colchester and two in Harwich, the new building will house four magistrates’ courts and a youth and family facility.

Work is due to start in May, with completion in the spring of 2012, ready for use that summer.

Mr Littlewood said: “These days, it’s impossible to provide appropriate facilities and services for people when all we have is two courtrooms. It’s not quite how it was in Dickens’s time, but it’s certainly not how it should be now.

“It’s very tense for people to attend court, so we need appropriate space and facilities, and that’s what the new courthouse will offer.

“We’ll have separate rooms for the magistrates, for the people in custody and for court users.

“There will be proper waiting rooms and offices for the Crown Prosecution Service and victim support staff.”

Mr Littlewood said another benefit of the facility was its convenience to transport and shops.

He added: “It’s near a train station and the town centre, with the bus station and car parks.

“Obviously, it will cost to build it and it will cost more to maintain it, but it is no more than reflects the fact we need it.”

Gone will be the days defendants are marched through the front door. Instead, people in custody will be taken into a secure car park, out of public view.

The building’s conception has not all been plain sailing though, with many voicing concerns about its striking design.

Colchester MP Bob Russell said councillors who voted for the courthouse should be named and shamed on a plaque.

But Mr Littlewood said: “I think some people have been vocal about it, but the planning committee did describe it as a ‘landmark building for the future’.

“I think it will improve the area and be a boon to Colchester.”

As for the old courthouses, the Harwich building will be sold on the open market.

But the future of the Colchester building is more complicated, with some suggesting it could be used in television dramas.

Mr Littlewood said: “That’s an option, but I couldn’t say specifically what it is going to be used for.

“It’s part of the town hall. There will be discussions as to whether the council takes it back.”

For Colchester Council, the construction of a “landmark” building in an area of the town which has been crying out for regeneration is good news.

Reg Patterson, regeneration project leader at the council, said: “There’s a new town square to be constructed in front of the magistrates’ court.

“It’s going to be one of the most significant investments in that part of the town, which we believe will lead to further regeneration projects coming forward.

“I think the investment demonstrates a confidence in Colchester.”

Mr Patterson said he did not believe the courthouse would create further traffic congestion in an already busy part of town.

He added: “There are alterations to be carried out to the road islands and crossings in Magdalen Street. In terms of accessibility for people using the court, it will be well served.”