The completion of Stage One of the ACT Law Courts redevelopment has been commemorated by a plaque unveiled by the Attorney-General, Gordon Ramsay.
At its peak, the first stage of the redevelopment provided more than 150 full-time construction jobs.
Mr Ramsay said a Court building was a central place in any society and should speak to the needs of the people it served.
“Given the diverse array of people here [for the unveiling], from the legal sector, the construction sector, through to the security at the foyer, I’d say this new building is doing just that,” Mr Ramsay said.
“Our law courts remain in the heart of our community, both in physical location and the modern upgrades recognising our diversity.”
He said that in addition to more court rooms to ensure more timely access to justice, witnesses now had a dedicated area to be with their support networks while giving evidence.
“Our commitment to accessibility is also built into the very fabric of our new facility,” he said.
“One example of this is that rooms have been acoustically upgraded and fitted with hearing assistance systems.”
He said Stage One of the $160 million Court upgrade was completed in October and it was anticipated that Stage Two will be completed later this year.
The second stage will provide an estimated 100 jobs during construction which includes two additional court rooms, hearing rooms, support facilities for the Drug and Alcohol Court, mediation suites and spaces for justice support groups.
