Taunton Crown Court, housed within the historic Shire Hall on Upper High Street, Somerset, has been closed since September 2023 after contractors uncovered serious structural problems with the flooring. The Grade II listed building, which has served as a central hub for justice and local governance for over a century, remains shuttered nearly two years after repairs began.
Initial restoration efforts addressed the windows, roof, and essential stonework. However, further work has been stalled due to health and safety concerns, delays in planning permission, and vandalism during early refurbishment—prompting the installation of a high perimeter wall for security. The extent of the damage means the building will remain out of use until at least July 2026, forcing crown court cases to be heard far from the local community at the North Somerset Courthouse in Worle.
Taunton and Wellington’s MP, Gideon Amos, has been vocal in urging the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to accelerate the Repair project. According to a Freedom of Information request, the total repair bill is expected to exceed £12 million including VAT. The first phase, covering the roof, windows, and security enhancements, cost nearly £7 million before VAT, while the second phase is projected to exceed £4 million before VAT. Funding is being provided exclusively by the MoJ and HM Courts and Tribunals Service, with no local authority contributions.
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Amos criticized previous Conservative governments for neglecting this vital building and called on the current Labour administration to complete the long-delayed work as swiftly as possible. He stressed the importance of restoring local crown court services for victims of crime and the Taunton economy, emphasizing the inconvenience caused by having to travel long distances without reliable public transport.
Efforts to speed up the process included raising concerns in the House of Commons and securing a meeting with Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood, who has committed to reopening the court once repairs are complete. Amos remains dedicated to ensuring Taunton is prioritized in this significant Whitehall project.
The MoJ has confirmed that once restored, the building will offer enhanced accessibility, improved facilities, and greater resilience to serve local communities for years to come.