UPDATE: The Judicial Council of California has just announced plans to build an **eight-story, 24-courtroom courthouse** in Valencia, a significant move for the North Valley District. This urgent development comes as residents of Santa Clarita eagerly await additional details regarding the future of the **Valencia Town Center mall**, situated directly across from the new courthouse site.
The new facility will be located at **26501 McBean Parkway**, adjacent to the **McBean Regional Transit Center**. It aims to consolidate court operations from the aging Santa Clarita Courthouse and the Sylmar Juvenile Court, which currently operates just three courtrooms. This project is set against the backdrop of a **$200 million** purchase of the mall in 2023, with plans for more than **$600 million** in further investments. Additionally, local developer Centennial is poised to invest **$850 million** to add **2,200 homes** and commercial space nearby.
According to project details released this week, the new courthouse aims to address a **critical shortfall** in judicial resources, with residents currently traveling to facilities in Chatsworth, San Fernando, or Santa Clarita for court matters. The Judicial Council has prioritized this project for years, noting that the existing courthouse is classified as a **FEMA P-154-rated Very-High-Risk seismically deficient building**.
The new courthouse is set to improve public access to justice by providing a **modern, safe, and accessible** facility in a rapidly growing area of **Los Angeles County**. It will replace three outdated buildings and rectify almost **$13 million** in seismic retrofits and **$5 million** in deferred maintenance costs that have been mounting over the years.
The **public meeting** to discuss this project is scheduled for **5 to 6:30 p.m. on November 12, 2023**, at **The Centre**, located at **20880 Centre Pointe Parkway**. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to learn more and voice their opinions.
Construction is anticipated to commence in **mid-March 2029** with a projected completion date in **December 2031**. The new facility will feature **two dozen courtrooms**, judges’ chambers, family court services, jury services, and a four-level parking garage. The gross construction footprint will exceed **250,000 square feet**, significantly expanding judicial capacity in the region.
As the community gears up for this transformative project, more information will be disclosed as it becomes available. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
