FORMER SUPREME COURT, BENDIGO

The Former Supreme Court, Bendigo constructed in 1857-58 by the Public Works Department for the Crown Law Department, including a single-storey sandstone Court building designed in a simple Italianate style with a double height courtroom at its centre. 

The Former Supreme Court, Bendigo is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register: 

Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects

 

The Former Supreme Court, Bendigo is historically significant as one of the oldest surviving government buildings on the Bendigo goldfields. As one of only a few buildings remaining from the Government Camp, which once served as the administrative centre of the Bendigo goldfields, its importance lies in its place in the development of one of the most significant goldmining areas in Victoria into an important regional centre. It is also of historical significance as an early surviving building which was purpose built to accommodate the Supreme Court in Victoria, when it was decided to extend the circuit court to Bendigo in 1857. The provision of this facility was indicative of Bendigo becoming an established regional centre 

 

The Former Supreme Court, Bendigo is significant as a notable example of a simply conceived Italianate design applied to a government building. Decoration is limited to smooth quoining which emphasises corners and window openings, and contrasts with the textured surface of the main building. Together with the other buildings of the old Government Camp, the Former Supreme Court, Bendigo represents a fine example of a nineteenth century government building, used to administer law and order on the goldfields.