Provider of intermediaries for defendants in court cases relocates

A provider of intermediaries for defendants in court cases is expanding its operations after agreeing to take new office space in Birmingham.

Communicourt has signed a four-year lease on 1,617 sq ft of space at the Southside Building, at Hurst Street in the city’s theatreland. The company will continue to operate from its existing headquarters at Trigate, Hagley Road, Birmingham.

The Southside Building has recently undergone a £3m transformation.

Communicourt’s fit out of its new offices includes a mock-up of a court facility which will be used for training.

Alex Tross, director of Centrick Commercial, acted on behalf of landlord Paloma Capital. He said: “This is a fantastic letting for Communicourt and the Southside Building meets their requirements perfectly.

“The building has been transformed to create a fresh and exciting alternative to some of the grey, lifeless office spaces found elsewhere. The crafted workspaces have been designed to provide a unique and vibrant working environment that encourages the exploration of ideas and the unlocking of creativity.”

He added: “This is the first letting since the refurbishment was completed. People travelling to the city for work want something to look forward to at the end of their commute. The Southside Building offers a coffee shop, event space, yoga classes, a programme of events, and a roof terrace. It is a beautiful space.”

Through intermediary services, Communicourt provides fairer access to justice for adults and children with communication problems and disorders.

It was founded in 2011 to ensure fairness for people with communication needs in the justice system. It started with one intermediary providing communication support to defendants in criminal courts and has grown to become the leading provider of court appointed intermediary services in England and Wales. It works in criminal and family courts, providing communication support for defendants, and respondents in family cases. It has expertise developed from working with more than 10,000 adults and children, and its intermediaries are the most highly trained and specialised in the industry.

Centrick chairman James Ackrill said: “It is really great to see companies doing well and continuing to commit to city centre offices as we all learn to adapt to the new hybrid way of working. The investment by landlords Paloma Capital in a total refurbishment of the property is paying real dividends and I’m sure Communicourt will thrive at the Southside Building.”