Redundant Wisbech court house could soon have a new use

A redundant courthouse, that has remained empty, since it closed well over a decade ago could soon have a new lease of life.

An application has gone into Fenland District Council’s planning department for a change of use for the court building in Wisbech.

The former courthouse which adjoins the town’s police station could soon be the new home for the town Masons after plans were submitted to use the building as a new Masonic Lodge.

A heritage statement. which is needed because the courthouse is within the vicinity of a listed building, submitted with the application explains the building located off of the Horsefair roundabout would require no alterations either inside or out for it to be suitable for the new use.

It explains that the change of use would have no impact on the nearby Grade II listed building at 5 and 5A Lynn Road, which is currently a corner shop as no external work is needed.

The statement adds the former magistrates court, which closed in 2011, could accommodate approximately 120 people such as officials and the public when it was occupied by the court service. There was onsite parking for staff, while visitors would use the nearby town centre car parks.

It says the change of use as a Masonic Centre would require a similar occupation of people and the car parking would be as before.

“There is no external work proposed and therefore there would be no effect on the nearby heritage asset,” it said.