Bristol court brought back to life by Channel 4 for new factual series The Court - and you can take part
A former courthouse in Bristol is being brought back to life by Channel 4 for a new factual series.
Filming has started at the old magistrates court on Bridewell Street for The Court (working title) and will continue into 2026.
The show will give people the opportunity to resolve their civil and personal disputes free of charge.
The historic building ceased functioning as a court in the 1960s and fell into disrepair over decades. But it was eventually regenerated into a community arts space by Creative Youth Network in 2024.
Now, for a limited period, the space will be once again populated by expert barristers, judges, and arbitrators all focused on one thing: helping people resolve their disputes fairly, swiftly, and free of charge.
The expert legal team can take on all kinds of disputes which people are struggling to resolve - from boundary and inheritance disputes to online defamation claims and dog custody battles.
The series shines a light on a wider discussion about the challenges being faced in the civil court system - where the average wait time for a day in court for a small claim is over a year, and far longer for more complex cases, which can lead to spiralling costs for all parties involved.
A show spokesperson said: “The Court offers a streamlined and legally-binding alternative to the lengthy court process - using the alternative dispute resolution process of arbitration.
“The UK is the global leader in arbitration and those who take part are represented by expert barristers and awards are decided by experienced arbitrators and judges.
“At a time when the British court system is creaking under the pressure of long wait times and mounting costs, The Court offers a swift and fair alternative so people can put conflict behind them and move on with their lives. “
The series is being made by Wall to Wall, the award-winning production company behind popular series such as Long Lost Family and Who Do You Think You Are?
If you would like to take part in the programme, you can find out more at: www.the-court.co.uk.
The Court is set to air on Channel 4 next year.