$69 Million Upgrade For NSW Supreme Court Building

Mr Rees said the upgrade of the Law Courts Building would preserve the Supreme Court’s status as the preferred forum for commercial litigation in Australia.

“This is an important project, which will not only bring business to NSW, but will provide 350 jobs, both on and off-site, as construction work takes place,” Mr Rees said.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to support jobs and stimulate the economy.”

Mr Rees said the Law Courts building had served the community well and been host to most of State’s high profile cases, since it was built 30 years ago.

“However, the building needs to be upgraded to keep pace with modern dispensation of justice, including the shift toward electronic stored and presented evidence, and the increase in long trials involving multiple parties,” Mr Rees said.

Mr Rees said the $69 million upgrade of the Supreme Court, which occupies 10 floors of the Law Court Building, will go towards upgrading:

29 courtrooms while a 30th courtroom, the Banco Court, receives a major overhaul;
All courtrooms with new audio visual technology including television monitors, microphones and cameras;
All public waiting areas, toilets and seating;
Windows in the building to improve environmental performance;
The Registry and public counters, office areas for staff, refurbishing the public foyer and judicial chambers;
Services including emergency lighting, sprinklers and smoke detectors, general light and power;
Signage throughout the building including an electronic court listing system.
In 2005, the NSW Government allocated $55.4 million to undertake urgent works on the base building and common areas.

At the same time, the Commonwealth approved $130 million to complete its share of base building and common area upgrade along with the complete refurbishment of all its floors.

This work is expected to be completed in 2012.

The additional $69 million follows $26 million of State Government money that was announced in the recent budget to complete fire and safety works.

The NSW Government has also recently completed $6 million of work to refurbish Level 9 of the building, which includes four courtrooms.

 Source: NSW State Government