Kalgoorlie Courthouse designs unveiled

Goldfields residents will be able to view detailed designs of the new $43million Kalgoorlie Courthouse after virtual images of the facility were today unveiled by Attorney General Christian Porter.

The state-of-the-art complex will have four courtrooms, with provision to expand to five courts when required, and be located at the Government Office Building on Hannan Street.

Two courts are planned as Magistrates courts, with a third designed in consultation with the Aboriginal community for use as a Community Court and Children's Court.  The fourth will have jury facilities for Supreme and District courts criminal trials.

"After extensive consultation, the State Government is able to share the final plans and vision for the new courthouse with the Goldfields community," Mr Porter said.

"With the valuable input of the community reference group, the new facility will be a civic treasure for the Goldfields community and sets an architectural benchmark for courthouses not only in Australia but throughout the world."

The Attorney General said the design included secure, open-air courtyards, fully contained within the complex, and a main entrance located away from Hannan Street. There were also multiple waiting areas and walking routes within the complex to allow people to be appropriately separated from each other if necessary.

"Key features were incorporated into the design of the facility after consultations with the local community to ensure the complex is self-contained and to avoid people gathering outside the Court buildings on the main street," he said.

"It is fitting that the new courthouse will be relocated to the Government Office Building, incorporating the old Warden's Court, where the mining warden, acting as a magistrate, used to hear mining disputes and civil cases.

"The refurbishment and occupancy of the old Warden's Court will restore the heritage building to its original court use and maintain the building as part of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's rich civic history."

Mr Porter said the restoration works would start next month with building of the new annex to start mid-2011.  The complex is due to be completed and ready for use in 2013.

The Department of the Attorney General will work closely with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to ensure works proceed with minimal disruption to Hannan Street and surrounding areas.

The detailed designs can be viewed at the William Grundt Memorial Library on Roberts Street from Tuesday, September 7 until November 30, 2010.

Attorney General's office  - 9220 5050