The provincial court in Stephenville is moving locations.

$8.5 million is going towards refurbishing the former College of the North Atlantic building in Stephenville Crossing to serve as the new courthouse, with that process starting this year. The target for the move of operations is 2024, with $1 million was set aside in this year’s provincial budget to start the renovations.

Area MHA Scott Reid says the move is due to accessibility issues and complaints received by government about the old space. The new building will be nearly four times the size of the previous building and will contain space for government offices and other necessary court facilities.

He calls it a “prudent expenditure of taxpayer dollars” that provides a good facility at a reasonable cost.