Work starts on courthouse
Work has started on Woy Woy Courthouse to accommodate a new Children's Court.
It is anticipated to be complete within 12 months.
The upgrade of Woy Woy Courthouse will include:
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Specialist services and facilities to enable both care and criminal matters to be heard including conferencing and interviewing facilities.
* Facilities to accommodate Children's Registrars and specialist children's Magistrates.
* Disabled access extended to include staff and magistrates.
* Domestic violence room with toilet facilities.
* Facilities for mothers.
* Fenced external areas for children with two discreet paved play areas.
* A new secure van dock, detainee interview rooms and six holding rooms.
"This will be a boost for the Peninsula, creating more jobs and providing specialist services enabling both care and criminal cases to be heard by expert children's magistrates," Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews said.
According to Ms Andrews, the purpose-built courthouse will meet the Carr Government's commitment to providing facilities, which meet the specific needs of juveniles.
The decision to convert the Woy Woy Courthouse was made following discussions with the Senior Children's Magistrate working on the Central Coast and other agencies including the police, Juvenile Justice and Legal Aid.
The tender for the $2.1 million project has been awarded to Artel Constructions Pty Ltd, a Gosford-based company.
Press release, January 30