Salford's Lowry Theatre to be used as temporary court to tackle Covid impact on justice

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The Lowry Theatre will be used as a Nightingale Court from 28 September

The Lowry Theatre in Salford is to be used as one of eight temporary ‘Nightingale Courts’ as part of plans to tackle the impact of Covid-19 on the justice system.

The Nightingale Courts will hear non-custodial crime cases, as well as civil, family and tribunals work. The move will free up more room in existing courts to hear other cases, including custodial jury trials, which require cells and secure dock facilities to keep the public, victims and witnesses safe.

It brings the total number of Nightingale Courts to 17, providing 32 court rooms, set up across England and Wales to alleviate the pressure on courts and tribunals resulting from the pandemic. An initial 10 opened their doors in the summer and are currently running at roughly 80% capacity – higher than the average of comparable courts in usual times.

The Lowry is the closest site to Rochdale, and will start to be used as a Nightingale Court from 28 September.

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, welcomed the announcement.

She said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on the courts system, both nationally and here in Greater Manchester, resulting in a significant backlog of cases and long delays.

“The delays have led to frustration and real distress for people whose lives have been put on hold while they wait for justice to be done. It is particularly difficult for the victims of crime, but it also affects those who need decisions from civil or family courts.

“So I’m pleased the Ministry of Justice has set up this ‘Nightingale Court’ at The Lowry theatre and art gallery. It will also provide an important source of income to the Lowry and help to support it during this very difficult time.”

Ms Hughes is also a trustee of The Lowry and has been involved in discussions both to provide additional courts capacity and to support the theatre and the wider arts sector.