All eyes on future court

THE public will get its first up close look at the Law Court development at an information pop up session at the Bendigo Library on Wednesday, 19 May.

The session will host design and construction experts from the project and a spokesperson for Court Services Victoria said people can learn from them how the project is putting the community first at the event.

“The design has been developed by working with the community and those involved in the existing Bendigo Law Courts to make sure being in the future court is a safe and positive experience,” the spokesperson said.

“The building design prioritises the delivery of a calm, safe and secure environment. Welcoming landscaping, spacious waiting areas with views out to the Bendigo skyline, lots of natural light, and secure entries and spaces for those who need them are just a few of the ways this will be delivered.”

Bendigo businesses were engaged to carry out early works like electrical and plumbing services and the spokesperson said the new court “will operate in a way that, where appropriate, helps people to address the issues in their lives that bring them into contact with the court system with the aim of reducing reoffending and strengthening community safety.”

“More services locally means better access and less travel time for Children’s Court and services such as the specialist family violence court, Koori Court, mental health assessment and referral court, and drug court,” the spokesperson said.

Construction on the project began last year and is on track for completion by the end of 2022, while plans for the future of the current heritage-listed courthouse are still unknown.

“The existing courthouse will operate as normal until operations commence in the new court in early 2023,” the spokesperson said.

“Ahead of the opening of the future court CSV will work with all relevant stakeholders in relation to the existing courthouse, including those from relevant court jurisdictions, state and local government, heritage bodies, and the broader community.”

To register for the information pop up session visit bit.ly/3aT2Wdb.