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 Old Courthouse, Southport - 2025
THE OLD COURTHOUSE
Purpose-built as a Magistrates Courtroom in the 1930s and described by English Heritage as ‘a fine example of courtroom architecture from that era’, this historic courthouse venue hosted hearings, trials, and legal proceedings for 71 years before closing in 2011. Today, it is available as a courtroom for hire in Southport, offering an authentic filming location for film, TV, and documentary productions, complete with period features and traditional wood-panelled interiors. See Image Gallery.
EXTERIOR
An imposing former Magistrates’ Court building, this authentic courtroom filming location features striking sandstone columns and a grand entrance up a broad flight of stone steps. With its Art Deco influences and elegant design, the building provides a realistic court film location ideal for TV dramas, documentaries, and feature films requiring an authentic courtroom setting.
A spacious and secure car park is located at the front of the building, free to use, with additional on-street parking available nearby for crew and production vehicles.
MAIN HALL
The Main Hall is Southport’s hidden gem and a film-friendly venue that makes a powerful impression. Its stunning Art Deco architecture, high ceilings, and marbled floors create a dramatic backdrop for filming, photography, and events. This versatile space is perfect for courtroom film productions, fashion shoots, presentations, conferences, and marketing events.
The hall can comfortably host dining for 80, theatre-style seating for 150, or a canapé reception for 200. With direct access to toilet and kitchen facilities, this self-contained filming area offers both practicality and grandeur for production teams.
COURTROOM ONE
The star of the location, Courtroom One, is a large, traditional wood-panelled courtroom that retains all its original period features. With ornate detailing, green leather benches, high ceilings, and an accessible public gallery, it offers a realistic courtroom set perfect for film, TV, and commercial shoots.
The courtroom includes a secure dock with glass partitioning, marble-effect flooring, and elegant legal insignias. This space is frequently used as a Magistrates’ Court filming location, offering an authentic legal setting for dramas, documentaries, and interviews.
Courtroom One has featured in several major productions, including Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, BBC’s Time by Jimmy McGovern, ITV’s The Tower, and BBC’s Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story.
CELLS & ADDITIONAL AREAS
In addition to the impressive Main Hall and traditional Courtroom One, several ancillary rooms are available for storage, changing, or Green Rooms, making this a film-friendly location ideal for production crews.
The original basement holding cells, complete with the warden’s room, are fully accessible and available for hire. These authentic court cells provide a unique filming location for crime dramas, police scenes, or documentaries needing a realistic custodial environment.
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 10 hour day - 08:00 am - 18:00 pm
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.
If you’re looking for extras for your production, we have close links with the local amateur dramatics society and would be delighted to connect you with some of our talented local performers.
Contact us today to arrange a visit.
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