Central Local Court House, Sydney

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Central Local Court House
(1)Police Courts Sydney-1.jpg
Alternative names
  • Police Law Courts
  • Central Police Court
General information
StatusComplete
Type Court house
(and former police station)
Architectural style Federation Free Classical
Location98 Liverpool Street, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales
CountryAustralia
Coordinates 33°52′34″S151°12′25″E / 33.8761340331°S 151.2070821050°E / -33.8761340331; 151.2070821050 Coordinates: 33°52′34″S151°12′25″E / 33.8761340331°S 151.2070821050°E / -33.8761340331; 151.2070821050
Completed1892
Owner Government of New South Wales
Landlord Department of Justice
Technical details
Material Sandstone; internal timber joinery
Design and construction
Architect
Architecture firm Colonial Architect of New South Wales
Website
Central Court House, Sydney
Official nameSydney Central Local Court House; Police Law Courts; Central Police Court
TypeState heritage (built)
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.802
TypeCourthouse
CategoryLaw Enforcement
BuildersPhippard Brothers
[1] [2]

The Central Local Court House or Police Law Courts or Central Police Court is a heritage-listed building located at 98 Liverpool Street, in the central business district of Sydney, New South Wales in Australia. Constructed in the Federation Free Classical style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, James Barnet, the building structure was completed in 1892 under the supervision of Barnet's successor, Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon. It is also known as Sydney Central Local Court House, Police Law Courts and Central Police Court. The property is owned by the Department of Justice, a department of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. [1] The court house is located in a precinct that includes the Downing Centre, and buildings housing the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court in Sydney. Adjacent to the court house is Brickfield Place, a brick paved courtyard with seating and planter boxes, constructed in 1892, assessed as a good example of urban design for public open space. [3]

Liverpool Street, Sydney road in Sydney

Liverpool Street is a street in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia.

Sydney central business district Suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

The Sydney City Centre is the main commercial centre of Sydney, the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. It extends southwards for about 3 km (2 mi) from Sydney Cove, the point of first European settlement in which the Sydney region was initially established. Due to its pivotal role in Australia's early history, it is one of the oldest established areas in the country.

New South Wales State of Australia

New South Wales is a state on the east coast of Australia. It borders Queensland to the north, Victoria to the south, and South Australia to the west. Its coast borders the Tasman Sea to the east. The Australian Capital Territory is an enclave within the state. New South Wales' state capital is Sydney, which is also Australia's most populous city. In September 2018, the population of New South Wales was over 8 million, making it Australia's most populous state. Just under two-thirds of the state's population, 5.1 million, live in the Greater Sydney area. Inhabitants of New South Wales are referred to as New South Welshmen.

Contents

History

The Central Local Court House was designed by the Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon in 1892. Historical period; 1876 - 1900. [1]

New South Wales Government Architect

The New South Wales Government Architect, an appointed officer of the Government of New South Wales, serves as the General Manager of the Government Architect's Office (GAO), a multi-disciplinary consultancy operating on commercial principles providing architecture, design, and engineering services, that is an agency of the government within NSW Public Works.

Description

Site & Forecourt

The Court has a large terraced forecourt facing south to Liverpool Street. The parcel of land on which the court sits runs north to Central Street. The terraced outdoor areas to the street frontage feature carved sandstone balustrades and grand entrance staircase. [1]

Sandstone A clastic sedimentary rock composed mostly of sand-sized particles

Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized mineral particles or rock fragments.

Court House

The Central Local Court House is a robust and highly decorated public building designed in the Federation Free Classical Style. The use of a formal symmetrical floor plan and massing with classically delivered carved sandstone details including a Coat of Arms, which communicates the authoritative status of the legal system in the late 19th century. Other accommodation include Associate's accommodation, prisoner holding facilities, foyer, four majestic Court Chambers, three legal rooms, general office, Chamber Magistrate's office, and Sheriffs office. [1]

The Central Local Court House is constructed in smooth dressed sandstone blocks. It is embellished with carved sandstone decorative elements. Much internal timber joinery and furniture remains intact. The site comprises a number of auxiliary buildings associated with the court house, including a small caretaker's cottage. [4] [1]

Caretaker's Cottage

on the eastern boundary of the site. Two storey rendered brick structure, with two chimneys and windows and outlook directed over the central forecourt of the court house. [5] [1]

Heritage listing

As at 29 October 2008, the Central Local Courthouse is of State historical significance as the first purpose built Police Court with the State Justice system and first petty Sessions Court. The building is a fine and intact example of a classically inspired public building designed in the Federation Free Classical style by James Barnet, the last Colonial Architect with construction supervised by Walter Liberty Vernon, the first Government Architect. The building is an example of a Court that operated in association with a Police Station and significantly has continued to operate with attached Holding Cells complex to present day. [1]

The Central Local Courthouse and holding Cells are good examples of late nineteenth century Courthouse and prison environment that despite alterations and modification demonstrate certain design philosophies and standards of that time. The form and relationship of the Holding Cells are functional and reflect Barnet's preference to relate each building to its site and context. The design of the Courthouse and its principle façade connotes typical characteristics of this type of building. The buildings remain as a good and intact example of a Courthouse and associated facilities designed by the Colonial Architects Office and that demonstrate the growing affluence and prosperity of the time. [1]

Central Local Courts and Holding Cells are of social significance for their on-going association with the police, Attorney General's Department, Department of Corrective Services, NSW Sherriff's office and all associated parties who have used the building for over 100 years. The building significantly continues to operate and is part of a network of Courts in the local area. [6] [1]

Central Local Court House, Sydney was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

James Barnet Australian architect

James Johnstone Barnet, was the Colonial Architect for Colonial New South Wales, serving from 1862 to 1890.

Courthouses in New South Wales were designed by the Colonial Architect, later known as the Government Architect of New South Wales, Australia.

Walter Liberty Vernon English architect

Colonel Walter Liberty Vernon was an English architect who migrated to Australia and pursued his career as an architect in Sydney, New South Wales. In his role as the New South Wales Government Architect he is noted for designing multiple government buildings, many of which are extant with listings on national and state heritage registers.

Mortimer Lewis British architect

Mortimer William Lewis was an English-born architect, surveyor and public servant who migrated to Australia and became Colonial Architect in the state of New South Wales from 1835 to 1849. Lewis was responsible for designing and overseeing many government buildings in Sydney and rural New South Wales, many of which are heritage listed.

George McRae Scottish/Australian architect

George McRae was a Scottish architect who migrated to Australia and pursued his career in Sydney, where he became Government Architect of New South Wales and designed some of Sydney's best-known buildings, including completion of the Sydney Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building, and the lower entrance to Taronga Zoo.

Bridge Street, Sydney street in Sydney

Bridge Street is a street in the central business district of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. Bridge Street runs for 500 metres (1,600 ft) in a west–east direction with traffic flowing in both directions. It is situated in the northern portion of the central business district. The western terminus of Bridge Street is at George Street, with the eastern terminus at Macquarie Street, adjacent to the Chief Secretary's Building.

Justice and Police Museum Living history museum in New South Wales, Australia

The Justice and Police Museum is a heritage-listed former water police station, offices and courthouse and now justice and police museum located at 4-8 Phillip Street on the corner of Albert Street, in the Sydney central business district in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Edmund Blacket, Alexander Dawson and James Barnet and built from 1854 to 1886. It is also known as Police Station & Law Courts (former) and Traffic Court. The property is owned by the Department of Justice, a department of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Newcastle Court House

The Newcastle Court House is a heritage-listed former court house located at 9 Church Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It is now owned by Nihon University. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Bathurst Courthouse Courthouse in Australia

Bathurst Courthouse is a heritage-listed courthouse at Russell Street, Bathurst, Bathurst Region, New South Wales, Australia. Constructed in the Federation Free Classical style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, James Barnet, the building structure was completed in 1880 under the supervision of Barnet's successor, Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon. he property is owned by Attorney General's Department. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Goulburn Court House

Goulburn Court House is a heritage-listed courthouse at 4 Montague Street, Goulburn, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed in the Federation Free Classical style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, James Barnet and his assistant Edward Rumsey. It was built from 1885 to 1887 by David Jones. The property is owned by the New South Wales Department of Justice. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Darlinghurst Courthouse

The Darlinghurst Courthouse is a heritage-listed courthouse building located adjacent to Taylor Square on Oxford Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. Constructed in the Old Colonial Grecian style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis, the building structure was completed in 1880 under the supervision of Barnet's successor, James Barnet. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Old Police Station and Courthouse, Coolah Heritage listed building in New South Wales, Australia

The Old Police Station and Courthouse is a heritage-listed former police station and courthouse located at 74 Binnia Street, Coolah, in the Warrumbungle Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Colonial Architect of New South Wales, James Barnet, and built from 1878 to 1880 by Henry S. Winter. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse "Heritage place or item located at Oliver Street, Bundarra New South Wales, Australia"

The Bundarra Police Station and Courthouse is a heritage-listed former police station and courthouse located at Oliver Street, Bundarra, in the Uralla Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and built from 1869 to 1870 by Alfred Dorrey. The property is owned by Bundarra Community Purposes Reserve Trust. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Maitland Court House heritage court building located at High Street, Maitland, New South Wales, Australia

Maitland Court House is a heritage-listed courthouse at High Street, Maitland, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1895-96. The property is owned by the Department of Justice. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Greenway Wing (Supreme Court of New South Wales) former Supreme Court House

The Greenway Wing of the Supreme Court of New South Wales is a heritage-listed courthouse located at the junction of King and Elizabeth Streets, in the Sydney central business district, in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Francis Greenway, Standish Lawrence Harris, and James Barnet and built from 1820 to 1828. It is also known as Sydney Supreme Court House and Old Court House. The property is owned by the Department of Justice and Attorney General, departments of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Banco Court (Supreme Court of New South Wales)

The Banco Court of the Supreme Court of New South Wales is a heritage-listed courthouse at St James Road, Sydney, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built from 1895 to 1896. It is also known as Sydney Supreme Court House , St James Law Courts and King Street Courts. The property is owned by the Department of Justice, a department of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Old Registry Wing (Supreme Court of New South Wales) former registry office in the Supreme Court House group

The Old Registry Office of the Supreme Court of New South Wales is a heritage-listed courthouse at the corner of Elizabeth Street and St James Road, in the Sydney central business district in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Government Architect Alexander Dawson and James Barnet and built from 1859 to 1862. It is also known as Sydney Supreme Court House. The property is owned by the Department of Justice, a department of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Old Police Station, The Rocks

The Old Police Station, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former police station and now art gallery located at 127-129 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and built in 1882 by W. Cains and Sons. It is also known as Police Station (former); Australian Craftworks Gallery and Christies. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Sydney Central Police Station

Sydney Central Police Station, 7-9 Central Street, Sydney, New South Wales, is a police station with attached holding cells that operated in association with the Central Local Court House, Sydney for nearly 100 years.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Sydney Central Local Court House". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Office of Environment and Heritage. H00802. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  2. ↑ "Central Police Courts (Place ID 2194)". Australian Heritage Database . Department of the Environment . Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Brickfield Place". New South Wales Heritage Database. Office of Environment and Heritage . Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  4. ↑ Urbis, 2017, 8
  5. ↑ Urbis, 2017, 5, 8
  6. ↑ Perumal Murphy Alessi, Conservation Management Plan, 2007

Bibliography

Attribution

CC-BY-icon-80x15.png This Wikipedia article contains material from Sydney Central Local Court House , entry number 802 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales and Office of Environment and Heritage 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 13 October 2018.

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