High-visibility gear and hard hats are now mandatory at the site of what will be a new purpose-built Broadmeadows Children’s Court.
Attorney-General Robert Clark turned the first sod earlier this month on land beside
the existing Broadmeadows Magistrates
Court.
Mr Clark said the $18.54 million project was intended to improve access to court services for residents across the northern suburbs.
Funding for the new court was announced as part of the 2012-13 state budget to alleviate pressure on the Melbourne Children’s Court.
The $11.4 million building will include two courtrooms, magistrates’ chambers, separate and private courtyards for children and adults, dedicated meeting and interview spaces, a secure child waiting room and separate work areas for court, Department of Human Services and Victoria Legal Aid staff.
Additional recurrent funding of about $7.14 million has been allocated for another magistrate and additional staff, and to help develop and adopt child-friendly legal practices.
Mr Clark said the building had been designed to provide privacy and security for children, their families, staff and members of the public.
Construction is due to be completed by mid-2015.
Once open, the c
ourt building will also house a new family drug treatment court as part of a three-year pilot program to protect children and rebuild families torn apart by alcohol and drug abuse.
Lexi Cottee
