A KEIGHLEY company has been chosen to develop Bradford's new Coroner's Court.

R N Wooler & Co has this week bee appointed to transform the Cater Buildings in Little Germany into the new facility - where inquests from Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees will be held.

Plans to move the court from its existing site in the city's Magistrates Court have been in the planning stages for years, and the location of the new facility was finally revealed last year.

The inside of the Little Germany building will be converted into a high tech coroner's court, with multiple court rooms.

Following a tender evaluation carried out by the Council, it was recommended that R N Wooler & Co, a Keighley-based construction company with over 30 years of experience and expertise in redeveloping buildings of historical and architectural significance, be appointed as the Principal Contractor.

Bradford Council acquired Cater Buildings in Little Germany, Bradford, and originally set aside £2.35m for the scheme.

But last year the Council revealed that additional costs, including IT and security systems, would cost at least another £2m.

In 2016 HM Senior Coroner, Martin Fleming spoke about the “inadequate” existing court.

New proposals to bring life back to Bradford's iconic Little Germany area

The existing facility requires the deceased’s family to pass through the main entrance to court, where they are often have to queue alongside the criminal court defendants, are then frisked and have their bags checked by security staff on their way in.

Once inside they have to wait in a small waiting room, described by Mr Fleming as a “disgrace” - which they often have to share with people and witnesses who may have had some responsibility for their loved one’s death.

Both Calderdale and Kirklees Councils are supportive of the plans. HM Senior Coroner, Martin Fleming, has been instrumental in the development of the design to ensure the needs of the service are reflected in the new provision.

Mr Fleming, said: “The news that a construction company has now been appointed to start work on the new HMCO is very welcome and is a significant step forward for the project.

“I am delighted that our vision of improved facilities that enable more efficient and comfortable experiences for families is becoming more of a reality.

“The new premises will offer innumerable benefits both to our colleagues and to the communities of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale, and will transform the way we do things, for the better.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “This announcement is good news for the region. The new HMCO will not only increase efficiencies but will also be better for families who are going through a very emotional experience.

“I’m pleased that after a fair and open competition, the winning bidder was a local company. It just shows what great businesses we have in the district. This development will provide employment opportunities and security for Keighley and the wider district.”

Andrew Wooler, Director at R N Wooler & Co, said: “R N Wooler & Company are delighted to have been selected by Bradford Council to undertake the prestigious Coroner’s Court project in the heart of our city.

"We very much look forward to cementing our longstanding relationship with the Council whilst improving the facilities available to the communities of Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees.

"At the same time this project will secure the employment of many of our colleagues and indeed provide much needed additional opportunity to the area.”