Albany Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Albany Courthouse |
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| General information | |
| Address | 184 Stirling Terrace |
| Town or city | Albany |
| Coordinates | 35°01′36″S 117°52′57″E / 35.0266°S 117.8825°E |
| Construction started | 1896 |
| Completed | 1898 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George Temple Poole |
| Main contractor | Charles Layton |
| Official name | Albany Court House Complex |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 14 February 2003 |
| Reference no. | 51 |
| References | |
| Heritage Council of Western Australia | |
The Albany Courthouse is a historic building in Albany. It is part of the Albany Courthouse Complex. This group of buildings is located on Stirling Terrace and Collie Streets. It's in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.
Contents
Building the Courthouse
The Albany Courthouse was designed by George Temple-Poole. Charles Layton was the builder. They decided to build it where an old state school used to be. The school building had to be taken down first.
Starting Construction
Building work began in 1896. The first stone was laid on December 29, 1896. This was done by Frederick Piesse. The project was supposed to take about nine months.
Delays and Completion
However, there was a delay in 1897. They ran out of bricks! Construction finally finished on February 7, 1898. The building was officially opened by Edward Wittenoom. He was the acting Premier at the time.
Design and Features
The courthouse is a two-storey building. It is made from strong granite and red bricks. It has unique rounded corners at the front. The doorways are arched and made of granite.
Roof and Chimneys
The roof is covered with grey tiles. There are brick chimneys with terracotta tops. These details give the building a special look.
Early Uses
When it first opened, the building also had a police station. Later, offices for the Public Works Department were added.
Important and Expensive
The Albany Courthouse was one of the most expensive regional courts built. This was during the time of the gold boom. Only the courts in Geraldton and Coolgardie were grander. Those courts were combined with other government offices. Even the courts in Perth had to wait until 1903 to be bigger. That's when the Supreme Court building was finished.
Changes Over Time
The courthouse has changed over the years. New parts were added and old ones were updated.
Early Additions
In 1908, a lockup and a keeper's residence were built behind the court. A lockup is a small jail cell. In 1920, an inside wall was removed. This made it easier for the clerk of courts to work.
Modern Updates
Later, in 1945, a garage and wood shed were added. The building was connected to the town's sewer system in 1957. This was a big improvement for hygiene.
Recent Renovations
A new police station was built in 1966. After that, the police offices in the courthouse were used by the bailiff. A bailiff helps the court with official tasks. In 1978, the courthouse had a major renovation. A second courtroom was added. The offices were also redesigned to be more modern.
Images for kids
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From the rear - the building in 2016
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Albany Courthouse early 1900s
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Royal coat of arms and Dieu et mon droit motto near entrance
