The Abbotsford Law Courts ("ALC") is a four-storey, 172,000 SF facility, that replaces a functionally obsolete leased facility, and has the capacity to meet projected Abbotsford and broader Lower Fraser Valley Provincial and Supreme court demand through 2035.
Delivered under Partnerships BC (PBC) Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) program as a design, build, finance, and maintain structure, the new facility holds 14 courtrooms (eight Provincial courtrooms, three Supreme courtrooms, and three initial appearance/conference rooms) with flexibility for future expansion to 16 courtrooms, a Justice Access Centre, Community Corrections, and associated support space and facilities for holding prisoners.
Guided by the seven Design Values and Vision, and championing the goal of providing design excellence for the Project, the design creates a landmark in the City of Abbotsford’s Civic Precinct – one that is respectful of its context (that is closely similar to HRCC in terms of the scale of the site), but at the same time, makes a bold and iconic architectural statement.
Situated just north of The Reach Gallery and the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, and east of the Clearbrook Library and the Abbotsford Police Department, the ALC will complement the existing Civic Precinct and act as its gateway from the east. This is closely similar to the desired ‘dialogue’ HRCC is to have with the adjacent Oakville Trafalgar Hospital. The ceremonial Courthouse Plaza is located prominently on the Site to act as an 'urban room' and provide a gateway to the Civic Precinct. Within the courthouse, the public corridor is a calming environment, flooded with natural daylight, where public seats are placed along the exterior for visitors to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Civic Precinct.
Credits:
- WZMH Architects - Project Manager - Rino Filippelli
- WZMH Architects - Principal in Charge - Carl Blanchaer
- WZMH Architects - Design Principal - Nicola Casciato