Croydon Council Announces Relocation of Coroners Court to Headquarters
Croydon Council has unveiled plans to relocate the South London Coroners Court from its current location in Davis House to the council's headquarters at Bernard Weatherill House. This decision comes as the existing court site is described as out of date and not fit for purpose, prompting a strategic move to optimize council-owned properties amidst severe financial challenges.
Financial Motivations Behind the Move
The relocation is driven by Croydon Council's need to ensure value for money for residents, according to a council spokesperson. Davis House, which houses the coroners court on its second floor, has been on sale since 2023 as part of the council's Asset Disposal and Property Transformation Programme. This programme aims to address the council's £1.4 billion debt burden by selling assets such as car parks and buildings.
Originally purchased for £19 million in 2008, Davis House was scheduled for sale in 2025-26, but this has been paused to explore new options that better align with market conditions and operational needs. This pause has resulted in capital receipts for 2025-26 being substantially less than anticipated, heightening the urgency for cost-effective property use.
Cost Allocation and Feasibility Studies
Croydon Council has allocated £255,000 for preparatory works on the relocation in 2025/26, as outlined in its capital programme. The total relocation costs are estimated at £4.305 million for 2026/27, with these expenses to be split among the four boroughs served by the coroners court: Croydon, Sutton, Bromley, and Bexley. Based on population size, partner contributions are expected to cover £191,000 of the preparatory costs and £3.229 million of the main relocation costs.
Feasibility studies are currently underway to evaluate the proposed move, ensuring that the transition to Bernard Weatherill House—located directly behind Davis House—is seamless and efficient. The coroners court investigates deaths that are violent, sudden, unnatural, or of unknown cause, including those in state custody, making its operational continuity critical.
Broader Review of Mortuary Services
In addition to the court relocation, Croydon Council is conducting a review of mortuary services in the borough. Managed primarily by Croydon University Hospital NHS Trust, these facilities provide secure, climate-controlled storage and handle forensic and post-mortem care. The council has allocated £150,000 for the review in 2025-26 and £100,000 in 2026-27, with recommendations expected by summer.
A council spokesperson emphasized the importance of optimizing property use given current financial pressures, stating that the future disposal of part or all of Davis House remains under consideration. This move reflects a broader effort to streamline services and manage assets effectively in response to ongoing economic constraints.
