Queanbeyan Courthouse
- Description Courtroom refurbishment
- Location Queanbeyan
- Sector Commercial
- Sub-Sector Commercial, Community, Workplace
- Specialties Façade, Live Environment, Refurbishment
- Contract Type Fixed Lump Sum, GC21
- Delivery Method Construct Only
- Client New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice
- Architect DEM
- Photographer Paramount Studios
The refurbishment of Queanbeyan Courthouse delivered a safer, more functional and contemporary environment for staff, legal professionals and the wider community who rely on the facility every day. The project enhances accessibility, improves building performance and supports the continued delivery of essential justice services within a modernised, user‑focused setting.
Construction was undertaken within a sensitive, fully operational courthouse, requiring careful planning to maintain safety, security and uninterrupted court operations. All noisy works were scheduled outside courtroom hours, which were typically at night, and the project was delivered in 7 carefully sequenced stages to ensure the courts remained operational throughout. The changing COVID‑19 environment required flexibility, clear communication and close collaboration between Grindley, contractors and the Client. Materials‑handling challenges were resolved through cooperative planning with the Client and Queanbeyan Council to secure all necessary permits and approvals.
Key design and sustainability initiatives included automation of lighting control and security systems, extensive recycling and segregation of demolition and construction waste, achieving a recycling rate up to 95%. The site also repurposed existing furniture and used low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and biodegradable adhesives to improve indoor environmental quality.

The full project scope included refurbishment of all internal spaces, service upgrades, installation of a new lift and shaft, construction of a building extension over the existing podium slab and a full façade upgrade. Hoardings, pedestrian routes and service changeovers were carefully managed to maintain safety and continuity of operations.
The upgraded courthouse now offers a safer, accessible and more reliable environment for all who use it, strengthening its role as a vital community asset and continues our strong relationship with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice.

Opening Ceremony
‘One of the busiest regional courthouses in NSW refurbishment is now complete’
Nichole Overall, New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Monaro and Mark Speakman NSW Attorney General, officially opened the refurbished courthouse on 27th September.
“This long-overdue upgrade includes an additional courtroom, upgrades to facilities for vulnerable victims and witnesses including a new remote witness room, new conference rooms, solar energy system, new air-conditioning, updated security including new CCTV cameras, and the ability to use audio-visual links (AVLs),”
Nichole Overall, New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Monaro









