The ceremonial procession was led by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward MBE and included the Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish, Cheshire Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Roberts, and the council’s Chief Executive Professor Steven Broomhead MBE.
The opening ceremony celebrated the 100-year history of the Museum Street building and brought together archivists and historians to share the memories of the building, the history of the Coroner, and the historical relationship between the Coroner and the Constabulary.
Coroners are Judges who are independently appointed and are responsible for investigating deaths to find out how, when and where they occurred.
Coroners will investigate a death and hold a court hearing if it was unnatural or suspicious, the cause of death is unknown or if the person died in any form of state detention, such as a prison or police custody.
The opening ceremony saw attendances from many of the senior officials across the County of Cheshire who work closely with the Coroner's Court every day.
A plaque was also unveiled at the ceremony, which thanked Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester and Halton Borough Council for their support in refurbishing the building.
The Cheshire Coroner’s Court delivers a public service in collaboration with key partners across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Warrington and Merseyside. Warrington Borough Council has provided coordination support for this court service since 1998.
The new building offers larger space for visitors, the coroners and coroner staff, as well as three courtrooms to hear inquests.
Warrington Borough Council’s Chief Executive, Professor Steven Broomhead MBE, said: “It was a privilege to attend the opening of the new Cheshire Coroner's Court, which now sits within the historic building on Museum Street.
“This 100-year-old landmark has been beautifully restored to serve our community once again, blending its rich heritage with updated functionality and new, state-of-the-art courtrooms to serve the people of Cheshire.”
When the first brick was laid in March 1923, the Chair of the Board of Guardians said: “May the building and its staff be a convenience and blessing for all time”. HM Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish closed the ceremony with the same words, and sentiment, 100 years on.
Coroner Devonish said: “This esteemed building has been brought back to useful stately employ to serve the Cheshire community. I am proud to have been entrusted to lead this important public service.”