Delivering a functional, safe, and accessible court that meets the needs of its diverse users in Bendigo and the wider Loddon-Mallee region, the new multi-jurisdictional Bendigo Law Courts (BLC) are set to transform what it feels like to attend court.
Open for operation on Monday, the Bendigo Law Courts will service the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal as well as the County Court of Victoria, Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia on a circuit basis.
Built over five storeys, the building has been designed with users, for users. Design consultation involved the City of Greater Bendigo, legal practitioners, court users, and local community service agencies. Shaped through a strong partnership between DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and Court Services Victoria, the building contributes to the civic revitalisation of Bendigo’s city precinct, alongside recent GovHub and Bendigo Kangan Institute developments.
Meaghan Dwyer, Wardle partner and project director said: “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.”
‘Bunjil’ – an artwork by Indigenous artist Racquel Kerr in collaboration with DJAARA, Court Services Victoria and Wardle – soars across the perforated copper façade, forecourt, and entrance. Djaara’s Creation Being responsible for forming the laws and customs of djandak (country), Bunjil’s prominence on the façade and a forecourt landscape designed with Djaara artists are reminders of being on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and symbolising a system of governance and a statement of living culture.
Wardle associate principal and project architect, Megan Darbyshire, led the design team in its empathetic approach to diminish tension and deinstutionalise the experience of attending court.
“Top of mind is the physical and psychological wellbeing of court users, judiciary and staff. 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 is welcoming to all,” said Darbyshire.
An enduring marker of community values, the building’s surfaces, materials and textures inside and out reference traditions of the Dja Dja Wurrung People and other crafts and trades of the region.
This is a building in the round – it has no front or back. The cladding materials extend around all sides – brickwork to the base, and copper (a material used on public buildings for many centuries) to the upper section. The roof profile is shaped with the knowledge that this building makes a civic contribution to Bendigo’s skyline.
“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,” said Dwyer.
The building integrates digital technology through courtrooms, work areas and public spaces for both remote and inperson interaction, and to improve the efficiency of court operations. Dedicated workspaces on site for agencies, bookable meeting rooms and private nooks provide comfortable working conditions and the privacy needed for sensitive conversations.
The project exemplifies environmental design excellence with 6 Star Green Star V1.2 design and targeting as built (Certified). It successfully employed over 90% local material and labour content.
Featuring materials that reference the precinct and city context, and defining the culture of place, the new Bendigo Law Courts actively engages with the city’s built and cultural heritage becoming part of, and for, the community.