Bathurst Courthouse

Summary

Bathurst Courthouse is a heritage-listed courthouse at Russell Street, Bathurst, Bathurst Region, New South Wales, Australia. Constructed in the Federation Free Classical style based on original designs by Colonial Architect, James Barnet, the building structure was completed in 1880 under the supervision of Barnet's successor, Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon. The property is owned by Attorney General's Department (State Government). It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[2]

Bathurst Courthouse
Bathurst Courthouse is located in New South Wales
Bathurst Courthouse
Location in New South Wales
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeCourt house
(and former post and telegraph offices)
Architectural styleFederation Free Classical
LocationBathurst, New South Wales
CountryAustralia
Coordinates33°25′06″S 149°34′42″E / 33.4182657152°S 149.5784210540°E / -33.4182657152; 149.5784210540
Construction started1877
Completed1880
Opened16 July 1880 (1880-07-16) by Francis Bathurst Suttor MP
Cost38,000
OwnerGovernment of New South Wales
LandlordDepartment of Communities and Justice
Technical details
MaterialSandstone; internal timber joinery; copper sheeting in roof and dome
Design and construction
Architect(s)
Architecture firmColonial Architect of New South Wales
Website
Bathurst Court House
Official nameBathurst Courthouse
TypeBuilt
Designated2 April 1999
Reference no.00790
[1]

History edit

The current Bathurst Court House replaced three earlier Court House buildings, the last was demolished before 1880 to make way for the forecourt to the new Court House. Designed by the Colonial Architect James Barnet, the dominant central Court Block was built as part of an overall design which incorporated the former Post and Telegraph Office wings. In 1893 tenders were called by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon for the construction of the clock tower completed in 1900.[2]

Description edit

The Bathurst Court House is constructed of local brick with sandstone detailing. The roofs are clad in copper sheeting. It is a grand and impressive building which comprises a central building flanked on either side by wing buildings. The central building is surmounted by an octagonal domed tower with turrets and has a two-storey pediment portico entrance. All of the rooms have external outlets into brick walled courtyards and a clerestory semi circular apse galleries on two sides.[2]

The architectural style is Victorian free classical. The exterior consists of brick, stone and copper.[2]

Heritage listing edit

The Bathurst Courthouse is one of the finest Victorian Court House buildings in New South Wales. Built as part of a precinct of Victorian public buildings, it is a landmark building prominently sited in the town centre of Bathurst. The building has a lengthy association with the provision of justice in the district.[2]

Bathurst Courthouse was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.[2]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Bathurst". Sydney Morning Herald Travel. 17 February 2005. Retrieved 19 June 2006.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Bathurst Court House". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H00790. Retrieved 2 June 2018.   Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence.

Bibliography edit

  • Godden Mackay Logan (2006). Bathurst Courthouse Conservation Management Plan.
  • Government Architect's Office (2005). Bathurst Hospital Conservation Management Plan.
  • Lester Firth & Associates (1986). Bathurst Courthouse Conservation Management Plan.
  • Watson, Matt (2016). 'A big spend is planned for CBD icon'.
  • Bairstow, Damaris. Study for NPWS.

Attribution edit

  This Wikipedia article contains material from Bathurst Court House, entry number 00790 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.

Further reading edit

  • Barker, Theo (1998), A history of Bathurst: From settlement to city 1862–1914, Crawford House Press in association with Bathurst City Council, ISBN 1-86333-058-5
  • Barker, Theo (1992), A history of Bathurst: The early settlement to 1862, Crawford House Press, ISBN 1-86333-056-9
  • Greaves, Bernard, ed. (1976), The story of Bathurst (3rd ed.), Angus & Robertson, ISBN 0-207-13363-8

External links edit

  • Bathurst Court House at Service NSW