Galway-based property developer Gerry Barret is to turn one of London's most famous courts into a luxury hotel.
Bow Street Magistrates Court, where some of Britain's most infamous criminals made their first court appearances, closed its doors for the final time today after being purchased by Edward Holdings Ltd.
Bow Street Magistrates Court in London
Dr Crippen, the Kray Twins and Jeffrey Archer are just some of the names who appeared in the court during its 267-year link with the British criminal justice system.
The court also dealt with many famous Irish cases including Oscar Wilde, Sir Roger Casement, William Joyce - "Lord Haw Haw", the Guildford Four and the Maguire Seven.
It was at Bow Street where the fledgling magistrates system took shape in Covent Garden under Sir Thomas De Veil, from 1739. The Bow Street Runners which pre-empted the modern police officer were also formed there in 1750.
Senior district judge Timothy Workman heard Bow Street's final cases this morning. Earlier this week he criticised the decision to close the Grade II-listed courthouse, saying: "Unfortunately there is no value to be placed on history and heritage."
Edward Holdings have acquired the court and the neighbouring police station to develop as a hotel and have insisted its unique history will be respected during the buildings' redevelopment.
The company - which has worked on a number of developments in Galway, Dublin and Drogheda - has been in discussions with English Heritage and Westminster Council on a conservation-based approach to the buildings' redevelopment.
The company is believed to be considering offering tourists a chance to sleep in the cells at Bow Street, and a museum is also expected to be included in their plans. A planning application is expected to be lodged with Westminster City Council before the end of the year.
PA