The Andrews Labor Government today unveiled the designs for the Kyneton courthouse which will make it safer and more secure for the community.
Attorney-General Martin Pakula visited the historic 160-year-old bluestone Kyneton courthouse today with the Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.
The $1.2 million upgrade to the Kyneton courthouse is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $58.1 million investment in court safety and security in the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
Court Services Victoria has selected Raysett Constructions, a regional construction firm in Macedon Shire, to undertake the works.
The new courthouse design respects the building’s heritage and provides internal improvements to meet the needs of modern court users.
The internal reconfiguration will include a revamped public entry with disability access, and a foyer with separate waiting spaces and interview rooms, new registry counter and improved public amenities.
The design also incorporates a secure connection between the police station and the courthouse to ensure the safer movement of people in custody.
Site preparation works are already underway and the court has closed, with matters being heard at the Castlemaine Magistrates’ Court. Construction is scheduled to be complete by mid-2018.
When the court is reopened, new Court Security Officers, equipped with hand-held metal detectors, will be present on sitting days to undertake entry screening and provide a roving security presence.
The Court Security Officers will also be available to provide escort services for vulnerable people when required, including for women and children who have been victims of family violence.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“These designs for the Kyneton courthouse will respect the building’s heritage while making it more modern and safer for the local community.”
“The new design provides safer waiting areas and visual barriers in court for victim survivors of family violence, as well as greater disability access and space for support services.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“This is a significant project which will deliver a safer and more secure court for the Kyneton community.”
“I’m really pleased to see a Macedon Shire construction firm, Raysett Constructions, awarded the contract for this important community asset.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020