Victoria Square Supreme Court Precinct seeks developers for transformation

The Supreme Court precinct in Victoria Square is to be transformed into a vibrant legal and commercial precinct, with an expression of interest campaign running to target private sector developers.

"There is an opportunity to use the Supreme Court asset at the corner of King William and Gouger Streets to achieve the best possible outcome for taxpayers,” says Attorney-General John Rau.

Rau says a needs analysis shows court facilities in the Sir Samual Way and Supreme Court buildings are nearing the end of their useful life.

Rau says the transformation will deliver a more efficient justice system, assisted by state of the art technology such as video links and paperless litigation.

“It’s about capitalising on the strong position this prime city real estate gives us to attract private sector investment in a commercial development that supports the modern legal system we need much sooner than may other be possible,” says Rau.

Infrastructure minister Tom Koutsantonis says a privately financed project of this scale has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits and some 1,500 construction jobs.

“In other capital cities in Australia there are impressive examples of integrated court precincts,” says Koutsantonis.

“With the Adelaide Magistrates Court on the opposite corner of Victoria Square, South Australia would be unique in being able to provide a fully integrated precinct.

“Working with the site we have at the top of Gouger Street, I’d like to think that we could create the best Courts precinct of its kind in Australia.

“The call for Expressions of Interest will be an opportunity for the private sector to demonstrate what they can bring to the process of transforming this important part of the City,” says Koutsantonis.

The Expression of Interest campaign will close in November this year.