MP STEVE Barclay has revealed that the empty Wisbech Magistrates’ Court may be redeveloped into a hotel.

In his latest blog the NE Cambs MP said he has discussed the use of the empty courthouse with Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Simon Parr and the soon to be retired Fenland District Council Chief Executive Sandra Claxton.

And MP Barclay said that during the meeting, Mr Parr insisted that Cambridgeshire Police are open to moving out of the station and relocating to a new premises in the town.

MP Barclay said: “The future of the Magistrates’ Court building and its link with the Nene Waterfront offers the opportunity to breathe new life into regeneration plans.

“Given the proximity of this location to the Boathouse, which hosts business conferences a few hundred yards away but has no accommodation, one option might be to locate a hotel on this site.

“Many tourists visiting Wisbech currently come for a day trip before leaving to stay overnight elsewhere. We need to encourage people to stay longer.

“Much work still needs to be done, and I hope that residents will play a full part in putting forward ideas so we make the best possible use of this landmark location and to help secure a bright future for the capital of the Fens.”

The iconic courthouse is owned by the Department of Justice who moved out of the court earlier this year.

The rest of the building is used for the police station with the Cambridgeshire force paying a nominal �1 a year in rent for their space.