Newcastle Courthouse
Newcastle's justice system has entered a new era, with the opening of a long-awaited courthouse in the heart of the city.
The $90m justice precinct replaces the old Church Street building that has been operating for almost 124 years.
Court a long time coming
Construction at the Hunter Street site began in January 2013, with more than 1,500 people working on the project.
The complex features 10 modern courtrooms, two tribunal rooms that cater for Local, District and Supreme Court hearings and a courtroom big enough to host trials with eight defendants.
The old courthouse has long been notorious for its antiquated facilities, pest problems and damp, dark conditions.
But Ms Upton paid tribute to the building, saying it had served the community well.
"That rather imposing courthouse has given the people of Newcastle and the Hunter region 124 years of service but it's now time to move on," she said.
"This is a big project to deliver and it took some time to deliver. We wanted to get it right."
Local economy boosted by construction: NSW Government
The new courthouse had been slated for completed by October last year, but was delayed several times.
The modern design of the building features the work of local artists including an impressive front facade.
Large windows and 190 solar panels are aimed at making the most of natural light and reducing the building's carbon footprint.
Ms Upton dismissed concerns the court's new location would pose difficulties for parking.
"This is in the centre of Newcastle and there is parking that surrounds the courthouse and there's public transport," she said.
Court staff will spend the week moving into the building before District and Local Court sittings begin on Monday, February 22.
Source ABC news
Newcastle Courthouse
Newcastle's justice system has entered a new era, with the opening of a long-awaited courthouse in the heart of the city.
The $90m justice precinct replaces the old Church Street building that has been operating for almost 124 years.
Court a long time coming
Construction at the Hunter Street site began in January 2013, with more than 1,500 people working on the project.
The complex features 10 modern courtrooms, two tribunal rooms that cater for Local, District and Supreme Court hearings and a courtroom big enough to host trials with eight defendants.
The old courthouse has long been notorious for its antiquated facilities, pest problems and damp, dark conditions.
But Ms Upton paid tribute to the building, saying it had served the community well.
"That rather imposing courthouse has given the people of Newcastle and the Hunter region 124 years of service but it's now time to move on," she said.
"This is a big project to deliver and it took some time to deliver. We wanted to get it right."
Local economy boosted by construction: NSW Government
The new courthouse had been slated for completed by October last year, but was delayed several times.
The modern design of the building features the work of local artists including an impressive front facade.
Large windows and 190 solar panels are aimed at making the most of natural light and reducing the building's carbon footprint.
Ms Upton dismissed concerns the court's new location would pose difficulties for parking.
"This is in the centre of Newcastle and there is parking that surrounds the courthouse and there's public transport," she said.
Court staff will spend the week moving into the building before District and Local Court sittings begin on Monday, February 22.
Source ABC news