King Street Court Complex
The site of the original Supreme Court of NSW and one of the oldest continuously used courthouses in the common law world
10am–4pm
About the building
The King Street Court Complex, the historic site of the Supreme Court of NSW, has been in use as a courthouse for almost 200 years.
The complex is made up of three main buildings. The oldest is the King Street Courts built in 1827. It was designed by Colonial Architect Francis Greenway, under Governor Macquarie, to house the Supreme Court of NSW, which had been established in 1824. Many additions and alterations were made over the decades, as the demand for courtroom space surpassed supply. Alexander Dawson designed a registry building that was added in 1860, and Walter Liberty Vernon designed a third building, now known as St James Road Court, that was completed in 1895 and housed additional courtrooms and judicial chambers.
The King Street Courts is one of the oldest continuously used complexes in the common law world, and the story of the complex is as interesting as some of the significant trials heard here. It served as the site of the Supreme Court of NSW from 1827 to 1977. It continues to be used, principally for criminal trials.
Sydney Open visitors will be able to tour the oldest historic courtrooms and see the architecturally significant public areas, including relief panels for public information.
Built
1827
Architect
Francis Greenway
Alterations
Alexander Dawson, 1860; Walter Liberty Vernon, 1895
Awards
National Heritage Trust Award – Conservation of Built Heritage, Corporate/Government Sector, 2004
Acknowledgements
The participation of the Supreme Court’s King Street Court Complex is with the support and approval of the Chief Justice of NSW, the Honourable Justice Andrew Bell.
Find out more about this building here
King Street Court Complex
Corner Elizabeth and King streets, Sydney
Entry details
Courtrooms and public areas
10am–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresThe site is accessible; however, parts of the courtrooms have limitations for comfortable wheelchair access due to heritage joinery. Visitors will be required to go through airport-style security scans before entry. Accessible toilets are available
Toilets availablePhotography allowedNo photography at the security entrance where entry scanning is conducted
Related stories
Francis Greenway, Architect & Engineer
On 30 March 1816 Francis Greenway was appointed as Civil Architect and Assistant Engineer by Governor Lachlan Macquarie
Visions on the future
Meet the team at Australia’s longest-running and most influential architectural practice
A rum deal
When Lachlan Macquarie began his term as governor of NSW in 1810, Sydney was in desperate need of a new hospital
Mid-century modern
Rose Seidler House, built by Harry Seidler between 1948 and 1950 is regarded as an iconic example of Modernist domestic architecture in Australia
