Central Local Court House, Sydney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central Local Court House |
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| Alternative names |
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Court house (and former police station) |
| Architectural style | Federation Free Classical |
| Location | 98 Liverpool Street, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°52′34″S 151°12′25″E / 33.8761340331°S 151.2070821050°E |
| Completed | 1892 |
| Owner | Government of New South Wales |
| Landlord | Department of Justice |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Sandstone; internal timber joinery |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
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| Architecture firm | Colonial Architect of New South Wales |
| Official name | Sydney Central Local Court House; Police Law Courts; Central Police Court |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 802 |
| Type | Courthouse |
| Category | Law Enforcement |
| Builders | Phippard Brothers |
The Central Local Court House is a special old building in Sydney, Australia. It is located at 98 Liverpool Street in the city center. This building is also known as the Police Law Courts or Central Police Court. It was finished in 1892.
The building was designed in a style called Federation Free Classical. This style was popular for important buildings back then. The first designs were made by James Barnet, who was the Colonial Architect. Later, Walter Liberty Vernon oversaw the building's completion. The Government of New South Wales owns this important building. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This means it is protected because of its history and design.
The court house is part of an area with other important legal buildings. These include the Downing Centre and courts for family law. Next to the court house is Brickfield Place. This is a brick courtyard with places to sit. It was also built in 1892 and is a good example of public space design.
Contents
A Look at the Building
The Central Local Court House is a strong and highly decorated public building. It was built using smooth sandstone blocks. You can see detailed carvings in the sandstone, including a Coat of Arms. This symbol shows the official power of the legal system.
Outside the Court House
The court has a large outdoor area in front. This area faces Liverpool Street. It has stone balustrades and a grand staircase leading to the entrance. This grand design makes the building look very important.
Inside the Court House
Inside, the court house has a balanced and formal layout. It includes four grand courtrooms. There are also offices for legal staff and a general office. The building has special areas for people waiting for court. Much of the original timber (wood) work and furniture is still there.
Caretaker's Cottage
On the side of the court house, there is a small building. This is a two-story brick cottage. It was built for the caretaker of the court house. It has two chimneys and windows that look over the main court area.
Why This Building Is Special
The Central Local Court House is important for many reasons. It was the first building made specifically for a Police Court in New South Wales. It was also the first court for minor legal cases.
This building is a great example of the Federation Free Classical style. It shows the work of two important architects. James Barnet designed it, and Walter Liberty Vernon supervised its construction. The court house has always worked with a police station. It still has holding cells today.
The court house and its holding cells show how courts and prisons were designed in the late 1800s. Even with changes over time, they still show the ideas and standards from that period. The way the holding cells are designed is practical. It shows how Barnet liked to fit buildings to their location. The main front of the court house looks like a typical court building. It shows the growing wealth of the time.
The Central Local Court House is also important to the community. It has been used by the police and other government groups for over 100 years. It continues to be an active court today.
