Australia’s largest coroner’s court and forensic medicine facility, the NSW Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex, has officially opened its doors.
The $91.5 million building in Lidcombe replaces the existing facility at Glebe, which was home to coronial and forensic medical services for more than 40 years but was no longer a fit for current or future needs.
The brand-new NSW Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex building was designed by leading architectural practices Cox Architecture and Silver Thomas Hanley and features additional courtrooms for the NSW Coroners Court and modern/expanded clinical facilities for NSW Health Pathology’s forensic medicine service.
Cox Architecture Director, Nick Tyrrell, said the design solution for the facility included colour psychology, the integration of art, access to daylight, an engagement with nature and a highly-crafted interior.
“Our methodology was strongly embraced by the NSW State Government in the hope that the building will help families and staff who work in demanding and often emotionally challenging situations. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the facility references ideas of growth and nature, and at the same time enriches the public realm,” he explained.
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the Forensic Medicine and Coroners Court Complex represents a significant leap forward for coronial investigations in NSW.
“The extensive high-tech facilities will enable more comprehensive and timely investigations of sudden and unexplained deaths – including complex cases and disasters involving mass casualties,” Mr Speakman said.
“With four state-of-the-art courtrooms, the complex will be able to host high-profile inquests on the scale of the Lindt Café siege investigation.”
Staff is expected to move in as the building is commissioned over the next two months.