Historically, the quarter sessions in Canterbury had been held in the Guildhall,[1][2] and it was not 1971 that a dedicated magistrates' court complex was established in Broad Street for criminal trials.

[5][6] The proposed courthouse formed part of a broader plan by Canterbury City Council to regenerate the former military site by establishing public offices there.

[7][8] The new building was designed by the Property Services Agency in a postmodern style, built in grey flint brick and was officially opened by the Duke of Kent in July 1995.

The central section of three bays, which was projected forward, featured a small gabled porch leading to a full height glass atrium.

[10] Notable cases have included the trial and conviction of Callum Wheeler, in July 2022, for the murder of the police community support officer, Julia James.