A court that hears civil matters and family cases has been formally opened after its move to a council headquarters.

Medway County and Family Court has moved to Medway Council's headquarters at Gun Wharf, Chatham, after it left Anchorage House last summer.

While the court has been operating at the new venue for several weeks, yesterday the new court was officially opened by The Right Honourable the Lord Burnett of Maldon, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

He was joined by president of the family division Sir Andrew McFarlane, the deputy head of civil justice Lord Justice Birss, designated family judge for Kent Richard Scarratt, designated civil judge Jonathan Simpkiss.

The move to Gun Wharf in Dock Road comes after the court's lease at Anchorage House in High Street, Chatham, ended last year, and the private landlord decided to develop the site, which is now in talks to become accommodation for asylum seekers.

During the interim period, while the new riverside site was being adapted, court hearings were held at the Holiday Inn near Rochester Airport.

Access to the new site is via a separate entrance to the main reception, through a set of stairs behind the building.

The premises, which was designed by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) with the input of judges and staff, features six hearing rooms with video capabilities, and six judicial chambers.

There is also an advocates' room, a vulnerable witness suite, and an office for the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS).

Mr Scarratt began the opening event with a speech to thank those involved with the move to the new riverside building, adding: "This court is a good news story and gives us all hope for the future."

He also thanked operations manager for all county and family courts in Kent, Sam Doyle, saying: "Without Sam very little would happen. She was nothing sort of superhuman and we have much to thank her for."

Mr Simpkiss said: "In late 2020, the future for Medway County and Family Court looked very bleak indeed. There was total uncertainty on whether they would have anywhere to go when the lease on Anchorage House ended six months later."

He also thanked Ms Doyle along with cluster manager for all courts in Kent Jim Doherty, adding: "They worked hard to help find a solution to close down Anchorage House, find temporary accommodation, then move back here.

"Anchorage House was not suitable as a modern court centre by the end of its time. This court is not a new dawn but a really positive step in a new direction.

"We are present at the opening of a court, rather than scurrying away from a court that is closing. Thank you all whose decisions made it possible to open a new court."

Lord Burnett then delivered his speech to formally open the court. "The difference between Gun Wharf and Anchorage House couldn't really be more stark," he said.

"Judges and magistrates are once again working under the same roof. The new court building has excellent, modern facilities for judges, magistrates, staff and court users and thus represents a great improvement on its predecessor.

"The opening of the new Medway County Court and Family Court at Gun Wharf also brings to an end a period where work has had to be spread across the county while the site has been located and developed.

"My deep thanks go to those who have endured that disruption and ensured that justice continued undeterred, including during the pandemic, and to all of those who have given their time and energy towards the opening of these wonderful new courts.”

Mr Doherty said: "For me, the important thing about this is the people of Kent now get all tiers of the judiciary under one roof.

"If we lost this space I don't know what we would do. It will provide much better justice for the people of Kent."

Earlier in the day, Lord Burnett visited Brompton Academy in Gillingham as part of a national School Engagement Programme, joined by tribunal judge Thaira Bibi.

He told pupils: “The rule of law is fundamental to our British way of life. Every day, many thousands of judges make decisions which affect people’s lives, and their livelihoods. But most people have little idea of what goes on unless they find themselves in the system.

“I want to make it easier for schools to help teach pupils about the justice system, and how it really works – I want to invite students to talk to us about our work.

“There are judges from all walks of life and at many various levels in courts and tribunals. I also want to send the message to all students, from whatever background, they could be the lawyers and judges of the future.”