BATHURST Court House will undergo a multi-million dollar restoration preserving the building's rich heritage, while also providing jobs for the region.
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Attorney General, Mark Speakman was in Bathurst on Friday afternoon to make the funding announcement, saying it will breathe new life into the court complex, a building he described as one of the "finest examples of Victorian architecture in the state."
"Bathurst Court House is one of the most beautiful public buildings in NSW and I'm thrilled that the NSW Government is committing to this major project," he said.
"This is an important heritage conservation project will will preserve this beautiful building for future generations," he said.
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Mr Speakman said the restoration work would include repairing the building's sandstone, copper, metal, leadwork and wood elements and will also involve replacing the decorated sandstone cornice at the base of the courthouse's copper dome. It will also cover the maintenance of the copper-clad bell tower and restoration of the building's 27 chimneys.
The restoration work will be done in consultation with specialists who have worked on some of the state's other iconic landmark buildings including Government House, Fort Denison and the State Library.
Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole said the project presents an extraordinary opportunity for the Central West's stonemasons and heritage restoration specialists.
"The project will create jobs in the district, improve the condition, enhance the appearance and extend the lifespan of the Bathurst Court House for many decades to come. Whoever wins this tender will have access to all the skill and expertise the Central West has to offer for this historic restoration," he said.
The Bathurst Court House will also benefit from improvements that have this week gained approval from Heritage NSW. These are part of the Government's $148 million package to ease the pressure on the district Court by appointing seven additional judges including, including Judge Graham Turnbull SC who commenced sittings in the Bathurst, Orange and Pares circuit in February this year.
The project includes a complete security upgrade with a new entry courtyard with scanning equipment and perimeter security for the complex. There will also be a new lobby and public toilets, a jury assembly room and refurbishments to the judges' chambers and associate's office.
The work is expected to take 12 months to complete.
