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Queen opens justice centre in Manchester

29/02/2008

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived at Victoria train station yesterday as part of an official tour of Manchester.

Her sightseeing trip included a visit to the Urbis Exhibition Centre, the Bridgewater Hall and the newly-built Manchester civil justice centre.

The Queen was met on arrival by Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and then introduced to a number of dignities. Justice secretary Jack Straw was also there.

Her Majesty unveiled a plaque at the official opening of the £145 million civil justice centre on the west side of the city.

Mr Straw said: "This magnificent new court centre is testament to our commitment to the civil courts and to provide a first class civil and family justice system.

"It is part of the wider regeneration of the city of Manchester giving its people a court with a stunning design and superb facilities of which they can be proud."

Manchester civil justice centre is the largest court building to be constructed in England in more than 100 years.

The 14-floor eco-friendly building is designed to hear civil cases, such as major commercial, business and consumer disputes, as well as family law and family care cases.