New Court Building For Hastings
Courts Minister Rick Barker announced today that an adjoining site has been purchased to allow for the development of a
new court building for Hastings.
"This new site has enabled a concept courthouse design of approximately 3300m2 to be developed on a combined area of
clear land with no impacts on existing operations," said Rick Barker.
"This will be a much bigger and better courthouse for Hastings than the existing courthouse which is approximately
1100m2.
"The current courthouse no longer meets needs of the Hastings region. Recognising this, the Government has invested
substantial funds to design and build a new courthouse to meet all future operational and security requirements for the
Hastings region.
"The draft concept plans include a light and spacious modern courthouse with a number of courtrooms," said Rick Barker
Draft plans for the new courthouse include; a List Court, a Family Court, a Multi-Use Court, a 150m2 Jury Capable Court,
a Mediation Room and a Hearing Room. As well as five Judges Chambers and one Justice of the Peace space, the new
courthouse will have dedicated Coroner space.
"The new courthouse has been designed to meet the needs of the community now and in the future. It will be modern and
have significantly more space than is currently provided in the Hastings Courthouse. It will have advanced security
systems and will be capable of supporting the latest technology including video conferencing and evidence recording
services. Where possible, Environmentally Sustainable Design practices have been incorporated into the concept for the
courthouse.
"The Ministry of Justice is currently in consultation with stakeholders and key users of the Court over the draft plans.
Subject to stakeholder agreement and Resource Consent, we expect to start the construction process by the second half of
2007 with an anticipated completion date of late 2008.
"The large investment in this new building is part of the Labour led Government's commitment to provide suitable court
buildings that promote access to justice," said Rick Barker.
Ends