Client:
Court Services Victoria
Location:
Shepparton, VIC
Completion:
2018
Project Value:
A$77m
Design Partners:
GHD Woodhead, Guymer Bailey Architects
The new Shepparton Law Courts seek to provide an affirmation of the importance of civic architecture in the life of the community both at an architectural and urban level.
Victoria has a rich history of significant country court houses. The court house, along with other public buildings formed a heart from which the regional town centre would evolve. They were built to last for generations and were always fine examples of civic architecture – solid, safe and permanent, and always expressive of the values of that institution and of the community they serve at that moment in time.
The new Shepparton Law Courts building celebrates that civic importance. Located on the corner of High and Wyndham Streets, it creates a complete justice precinct with the police station to the west and the 1930s heritage Supreme Court building in the centre.
The new building has a welcoming entry lobby inspired by the enduring image of the ancient River Red Gum – one that provides shade or shelter – offering the possibility of a gathering place or a meeting place.
Its base is founded on brick – a memory of the older country court houses – this new five-level courts building seeks to provide a contemporary expression for the open and transparent delivery of justice to the Shepparton and wider community.
Over many years Architectus has been engaging with Prof. David Tait through seminars and study tours in respect of the ideas shaping the design of court buildings. On this project, Prof. Tait contributed his knowledge and best practice experience to the design.