By Francisco Silva -
One of NSW’s most historic courthouses has completed a $2.1 million-dollar upgrade aimed at ensuring the safety of those who use it and cementing its unique and iconic status.
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said this upgrade demonstrates the Government’s commitment to safeguarding people and improving the delivery of justice across NSW.
“Features such as electronic permitter security, airport-style walk-through scanners with integrated temperature detectors to help with the management of COVID-19 and x-ray equipment are critical to keeping our courtrooms operating safely and efficiently,” Speakman said.
“Multiple entrances to the court complex have been reduced to two with a new glazed security wing added where a previous addition had stood for decades.”
The upgrade is part of the $100 million Sustaining Critical Infrastructure Program announced in the November 2020 budget, that looks at modernising courthouses across the state and boost access to justice.
“These security upgrades will ensure the building continues to make history as a suitable facility for trials and other hearings,” Speakman said.
A significant site in Sydney’s legal landscape, the courthouse played a key role in the early colonial legal system.
Designed by Australia’s first trained architect, convict Francis Greenaway, it was vital for Governor Macquarie’s vision for Sydney. Remnants of convict-built foundations were unearthed during work at the site.
