UPDATE: The Judicial Council of California has just announced an urgent plan to construct an eight-story courthouse in Valencia, featuring 24 courtrooms designed to serve the North Valley District. This announcement arrives as Santa Clarita residents eagerly await further developments regarding the Valencia Town Center mall, which is located directly across the street from the proposed courthouse site at 26501 McBean Parkway.
This project, which is set to enhance local justice services, comes on the heels of the mall’s recent $200 million acquisition in 2023, with plans for an additional investment exceeding $850 million. The new courthouse aims to consolidate court operations from the existing Santa Clarita Courthouse and the Sylmar Juvenile Court, relocating numerous dockets to a modern facility that addresses significant safety concerns.
The current courthouse, rated as a FEMA P-154 very-high-risk seismically deficient building, has been a pressing issue for years. The new facility promises to improve public access to justice, providing a safe and accessible venue for a rapidly growing region of Los Angeles County.
The Judicial Council’s announcement outlines critical objectives, including relieving a significant space shortfall and enhancing security. The proposed construction is scheduled to begin in mid-March 2029 and aims for completion by December 2031.
Local officials are already responding to the announcement, and a public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on November 12 in the Oak Room at The Centre, located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. The meeting will address the public’s questions and concerns regarding the forthcoming justice hub.
This new courthouse will replace three inadequate and obsolete buildings neighboring the courthouse, with plans to address nearly $13 million in necessary seismic retrofits and almost $5 million in deferred maintenance. The construction will feature a comprehensive design, including judges’ chambers, family court services, IT offices, and a four-level parking garage.
With a gross construction footprint exceeding 250,000 square feet, this facility is not just a courthouse but a comprehensive justice center aimed at serving the needs of the community. The project has been a priority since 2019, gaining widespread support from local judges and officials.
As the construction timeline unfolds, residents and stakeholders are urged to remain engaged and informed. This project represents a significant investment in the future of public safety and legal accessibility in Valencia and the surrounding areas.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
