The Surry Hills Children’s Court is an adaptive re-use of the 1911 Children’s Court and Boys’ Shelter, providing a modern four court room Courthouse with all supporting facilities.

The site was developed as a Children’s Court in 1911. The original building was designed by NSW Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon, where a Children’s Court operated in the building until 1983. The new Children’s Court design retains the 1911 two-storey building adjacent to Albion Street and Commonwealth Street. Structures elsewhere on the site were demolished and a new building was constructed, occupying the whole of the site. A new zinc clad façade was constructed to Little Albion Street. The height and fenestration of the new façade references the existing building design.

A Courthouse has particular functional requirements to maintain separation between the public, judiciary and persons in custody. Each group has a designated area within the building, along with a prescribed circulation route to enter the Court Rooms. This requirement significantly affects the internal planning arrangements. The site area and heritage building elements presented a significant challenge to accommodate the spatial requirements and functional relationships of the building’s users and services. Every aspect of the design and operation required some adjustment and an element of compromise due to the unique site.

Pedavoli Architects were engaged as the Principal Design Consultant. Our involvement extended from initial briefing and master planning, through to post occupancy evaluation.