The Old Courthouse, Southport - 2025
ABOUT US
Access Point is a commercialisation agency based at The Old Courthouse. The building was acquired by Access Point in 2013 and has since been transformed into a modern, unique office space with many of the original features of the courthouse preserved. This includes a fully restored courtroom ready and available for filming hire.
Several rooms were transformed to fit into the culture of Access Point. An American style diner replaced the youth court and is filled with movie posters and a fully functional kitchen.
The Rooftop was redesigned to include a terrace that is perfect for summer parties and a chill-out area. Other rooms including the Wardens office have been converted into meeting rooms, office space and even a museum filled with information about the history of the building.
THE BUILDING
Purpose-built as a Magistrates Court in the 1930s and described by English Heritage as ‘being a good example of architecture typical to that time’, it was eventually closed in 2011 following 71 years of legal service. See Image Gallery.
EXTERIOR
An imposing building with sandstone columns, the entrance is up a broad flight of stone steps. The former Magistrates Court is considered an attractive building, more austere than flamboyant and with definite Art Deco influences incorporated into it.
There is a spacious, secure car park located at the front of the building that is free to use. Additional free on-street parking is also available nearby.
MAIN HALL
The Main Hall is Southport’s hidden gem. If you want to make a great impression then this is the place to do it. The stunning Art Deco architecture and high ceilings provide a dramatic welcome making this a perfect setting to create a memorable event. This beautiful marbled area with insignia detailing is ideal for presentations, conferences, exhibitions, fashion shows and marketing events.
This impressive area can comfortably host dining for 80, theatre-style conferencing for 150 and a canapé reception for 200. This is a self-contained area with toilet and kitchen facilities directly accessed from the main hall. This diverse area is also ideally suited for filming and unique photo shoot opportunities.
COURTROOM ONE
A formal wood-panelled traditional courtroom still retains the features you would expect from a court building of this era. Court One is a large, impressive room with ornate wood panelling, legal insignias, marble effect flooring, green leather benches, high ceilings and an accessible overhead public gallery. It retains the upgraded dock with security glass in place and stairs leading away.
The court can cater for the filming of feature films, television shows, documentaries, interviews and commercials. It also makes a unique seminar or training space and could be used for private cinema or screening events.
Courtroom 1 has been featured on television numerous times, notably in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, Jimmy McGovern's BBC drama 'Time’, and more recently, ITV's 'The Tower' and BBC's 'Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story', among others.
CELLS & ADDITIONAL AREAS
In addition to the impressive Main Hall and traditional Court One spaces, several ancillary rooms can be made available for storage, changing and Green rooms.
The original basement holding cells, including the warden's room, are fully accessible and also available for hire.
TESTIMONIAL - LIME PICTURE PRODUCTIONS
‘Access Point has a unique courtroom filming location that still has all the original features, and the furniture is perfect for any contemporary courtroom storylines. I have managed numerous productions that have shot in this courtroom and the impressive, grand lobby. Access Point goes above and beyond to accommodate your every need and always facilitate a smooth shoot.’
Claire Newton - Location Manager
AUTHENTIC 1930s ARCHITECTURE
PRICING &
ADDITIONAL INFO
Charges are negotiable and are dependent on the type of event taking place and the length of hire.
As a general guide the cost for filming starts at £1200+VAT for a 12 hour day.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
Exclusive toilet facilities are directly accessed from the main hall. Unlike many other Court facilities, access to the building, Main Hall and Court One is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Contact us today to arrange a visit.
LEGAL - T&Cs
This page (together with the documents referred to on it) tells you the terms of use on which you may make use of this website. Please read these terms of use carefully before you start to use the site. By using our site, you indicate that you accept these terms of use and that you agree to abide by them. If you do not agree to these terms of use, please refrain from using our site.
PRIVACY POLICY
Our privacy policy sets out how Access Point uses and protects any information that you give us when you visit and use our website. Access Point is committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and any information you provide when using our website will only be used in the ways outlined in this privacy policy.