Ministry of Justice Office Remodelling

Location
Birmingham & Stoke-on-Trent
Client
Ministry of Justice
People

The Brief

BTP worked with national contractor ISG to remodel Ministry of Justice office accommodation in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent, creating more than 5,300m² of contemporary workspace for HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

Part of a wider programme of estate reform, the refurbishments support new working practices, increasingly digital processes and a more collaborative working culture. Both projects involved adapting existing buildings while maintaining day-to-day operations.

Bringing new ways of working to existing offices

More than 5,300m² of remodelled workspace, bringing brighter interiors, clearer layouts and improved facilities to HMCTS teams in Birmingham and Stoke-on-Trent.

Our Role

BTP acted as Lead Designer, coordinating a multidisciplinary team including structural and building services engineers, an acoustician, BREEAM advisor and fire engineer. We worked closely with ISG, the client’s Technical Advisory team and building users to balance operational needs with the constraints of the existing accommodation.

Our in-house BIM team prepared the BIM Execution Plans and managed federated models, bringing architectural, structural and services information together. This helped identify clashes and resolve coordination issues before construction. We also produced COBie asset data for the client’s facilities management systems.

Space to work, room to meet

Our design offers a mix of flexible open-plan working and private meeting spaces

Design Development

The designs followed HMCTS Design Guidelines, adapting standard principles to suit each building and its users. Clear distinctions between open-plan workspaces, enclosed offices and common areas helped balance sound, daylight and visual connectivity.

In Stoke-on-Trent, two floors of the County & Civil Court Hearing Centre office building were stripped out and remodelled in around 18 weeks. A central core of enclosed offices was introduced, with open-plan workspaces on either side, creating a bright, contemporary environment for approximately 450 staff.

The Birmingham refurbishment took a more selective approach, retaining much of the existing layout while reorganising accommodation for around 380 staff. Upgraded ventilation and building services improved comfort, alongside changes that brought the workspace into line with the wider programme.

Keeping both buildings operational required careful phasing and coordination. We worked with ISG and the client to plan staff moves and sequence the works, with much of the Birmingham refurbishment completed outside normal working hours to limit disruption.

Business as usual

Transforming workspaces while keeping teams working.

Both offices remained operational during the works requiring careful sequencing to minimise disruption.

Outcomes

The projects have modernised existing office accommodation, providing clearer layouts, improved working environments and spaces suited to changing HMCTS operations.

Both schemes were delivered on time and within budget. In Stoke-on-Trent, the first floor was handed back on programme and the second floor four weeks early, helping staff return to their refurbished accommodation sooner.

Positive feedback from staff and building users reflected the benefits of involving them throughout the design process. Coordinated BIM information also supported delivery and provided useful asset data for the ongoing management of the buildings.

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Director
Simon Dennis

BSc, BArch(Hons), RIBA

Director
Simon Dennis

BSc, BArch(Hons), RIBA

I joined BTP in 2015, bringing a portfolio of Judicial and Custodial refurbishment projects to the practice, which I still continue to develop, including several conservation projects. More recently, I have also developed my role as a Principal Designer on both HRB & Non-HRB projects, particularly for custodial and education projects.

Since Graduating from Dundee University in 1996 I have gained considerable experience as an architect through completing a broad range of project types and sizes; from domestic projects for private clients to multi-million pound construction programmes for Government bodies and International commercial organisations throughout the UK. My predominant skills are in job running, detailed design, conservation projects and project management.

Outside of the office I am an enthusiastic hill-walker and climber and enjoy the outdoors, from gentle country strolls, ticking off Wainwrights and Munros, or summitting international peaks. I am also a keen traveller with a collection of passport stamps from Iceland to Antarctica.
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Architectural Technician
Ethan Tayler

BSc(Hons)
Architectural Technician
Ethan Tayler

BSc(Hons)

I joined BTP Architects straight from University in mid-2023 as an Architectural Technician. Since then, I’ve developed my skills in Revit, project management and technical design, alongside a growing understanding of Building Regulations and industry guidance.

Having been thrust into many different projects, I’ve gained wide sector experience including large-scale retrofit, social housing and accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, refurbishment and luxury new-build homes. This experience has sparked a particular interest in site planning.

Outside work, I enjoy playing padel with colleagues, football and the occasional attempt at golf. I’m also a Liverpool FC supporter and like to unwind playing video games.
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Architectural Assistant
Amy Greenwood

BA(Hons), M.Arch
Architectural Assistant
Amy Greenwood

BA(Hons), M.Arch

Enjoying the work / life balance of a supporting role, I have chosen to remain an architectural assistant and job runner. Having been at BTP since 2008 I have worked with most of the architects over the years. In doing so I have gained experience, knowledge and skills in each of our main sectors, including residential, ecclesiastical, conservation, remediation, judicial and custodial projects.

Outside of work, my teenage sons keep me busy, I enjoy encouraging their passions whether that be cheering at a football match or listening to them about game design. When I get a moment to myself, you'll find me listening to an audio book, tending the garden.