Launceston’s landmark law building is set for a makeover.
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Security upgrades are expected to take place inside the historic supreme court within the next few months, ahead of six new correctional officers starting work at the site.
The Justice Department confirmed the planned works, but specific details about the upgrades were not available.
“Some refurbishment works at the Launceston Supreme Court are planned for this financial year,” a department spokesman said.
“These will coincide with Tasmania Prison Service Correctional Officers assuming responsibility for security at the court.”
The new correctional staff started training at the Cameron Street courthouse in February, four months after the state government announced it would remove police from “babysitting duties”.
Currently, Tasmania Police is required to have officers in the court, every day.
The public debate on the issue reignited in August last year when the police association revealed a four-week Launceston Supreme Court trial had cost more than $95,000 and 2500 “man-hours”.
Eight police officers sat in as security for the entire trial.
Following the state government promise to address the problem, recruitment began in October and correctional staff are expected to take on their new roles by July.
The upgrades are expected to be finalised before the official handover.
The 1929 building has been permanently entered on the Tasmanian Heritage Register, but it is understood the latest works do not require approval from the Tasmanian Heritage Council.
The council did approve previous works in 2016, allowing upgrades to the court’s foyer, access ramp and steps.
The building’s heritage listing describes it as having “high historical and social significance as the highest state-administered court in northern Tasmania for nearly 80 years, and a major built landmark within inner Launceston”.
It was originally built as ‘Struan House’, a residence for Scottish Colonist James Robertson.
The house was used as a hospital at one point, but was eventually purchased by the government in 1929 and transformed into the Launceston Supreme Court complex, which continues to function as a law building.
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
