The newly completed Bendigo Law Courts, designed by Wardle (formerly John Wardle Architects), has officially opened.
The $152-million project is the first regional specialist court facility in Victoria, accommodating 11 court rooms (including two hearing rooms), two mediation suites, remote witness facilities, safe waiting facilities, dedicated jury areas, meeting rooms for support agencies, and client services
The five-storey building has been designed in consultation with legal practitioners, court users, local community service agencies, the City of Greater Bendigo, and in partnership with the Dja Dja Wurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and Court Services Victoria.
Ninety percent of the building’s surfaces and materials have been locally sourced, made from a brick base with upper levels clad in copper.
The upper levels of Bendigo Law Courts by Wardle are clad in copper.
Image:
Tim Griffith
“Through deep consideration of the built and cultural heritage of place, we’ve responded to both Bendigo’s recent history as a Victorian gold rush town, and to the ancient lines of creation that connect past, present, and future across Dja Dja Wurrung Country,” said Wardle partner and project director Meaghan Dwyer.
The building facade features a large-scale artwork by Indigenous artist Racquel Kerr. Made from hammered copper, the artwork depicts Djaara Creation figure Bunjil – a soaring wedge-tailed eagle – who oversees law and people’s conduct on Country.
The design of Bendigo Law Courts features an artwork by Indigenous artist Racquel Kerr which depicts the Djaara Creation figure Bunjil.
Image:
Tim Griffith
The building has been designed to assist all users of the judicial services in Bendigo, including secure entrances and separate sections for judicial staff, operation staff, vulnerable people, and people in custody. (The separate entrances are a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.)
“Top of mind is the physical and psychological wellbeing of court users, judiciary and staff,” said Wardle associate principal and project architect Megan Darbyshire. “For example, the specialist Family Violence Court has safe waiting areas and separate entries and pathways for people in custody and operational staff.
“Unlike many buildings of this type, huge windows fill the public areas with light and frame views over the city and out to the surrounding mountain ranges. The interiors combine warm, natural colours, materials and textures for comfort and a sense of calm.”
The building also accommodates the Magistrates Court, Children’s Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, County Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on a circuit basis. The Koori Court and the Assessment and Referral Court will also operate from the new facility.
The building contributes to the revitalisation of the Bendigo civic precinct, alongside Bendigo GovHub designed by Lyons, and the Bendigo TAFE redevelopment by Architectus, Six Degrees and SBLA.
“The new courthouse in Hargreaves Street joins the patterns of daily life. The courthouse rises above the surrounding buildings and sits comfortably in its place,” Dwyer said.
Victorian attorney-general Jaclyn Symes added, “Victorians should have the best possible access to justice no matter where they live – this new precinct will help regional Victorians get the legal help they need without having to travel to Melbourne.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
