A contemporary courthouse completes the civic precinct

Court Services Victoria’s goal was to design a contemporary, multi-jurisdictional court facility in alignment with the Court Services Victoria Strategic Asset Plan priorities. Working with our design collaborators Architectus and Guymer Bailey, our challenge was to accommodate the current and future service demands of the Shepparton Law Courts.

The striking Shepparton Law Courts building celebrates its civic importance in the life of the community both at an architectural and urban level. Its form draws on Victoria’s rich history of significant country courthouses. As expressed by the Shepparton facility, these were built to last and represented fine examples of civic architecture that were solid, safe and permanent, and always expressive of the values of that institution and of the community they serve. 

Located in the heart of Shepparton, the six-court facility features a welcoming entry lobby inspired by the enduring image of the ancient river red gum. The tree provided shade or shelter and offered the possibility of a gathering place or a meeting place.

The building’s brick base recalls older country court houses, while its new five level courts building aims to provide a contemporary expression for the open and transparent delivery of justice to the Shepparton and wider community.

Our team was intimately involved in the development of the design, staging and decanting strategy that enabled operation of the existing Shepparton Court to continue during construction in a sensitive operational context.

Shepparton Law Courts forms a complete justice precinct, with the township’s police station to the west and the 1930s heritage supreme court building in the centre.