Old Courthouse Courtyard upgrade

• Project typeInfrastructure upgrade
• Project valueTBA
• Project scheduledue for completion late-2027

In late 2024, Council engaged a landscape architect to assist with the preparation of concept plans for upgrades to the Old Courthouse site. The works focus on the Old Sheriffs Cottage, the northern courtyard and the western walkway, which has been closed to the public since 2009, when the NSW Government owned the site.

The concept plans were endorsed for public exhibition by Council at the 11 December OCM. They were exhibited for 31 days and generated a high level of community interest, with more than 140 submissions received. General support for the Concept Plans was overwhelming with 91% of respondents indicating support for the project (130 out of 143 submissions).

At the OCM held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Council endorsed the publicly exhibited Concept Design Plans for upgrades to the Old Courthouse Walkway and Courtyard. This included:

• Option 1: with arbour
• Option 2: with the building converted into a café/kiosk

Overall, the plans aim to provide:

1. A flexible, shared walkway space along the western side of the Old Courthouse building.
2. Improvements to the northern courtyard behind the Old Sheriff’s Quarters building.
3. Conversion of part of the Old Sheriff’s Quarters kitchen building to a small cafe.

The concept plans seek to improve access to both the Old Courthouse and the Central Mall, supporting activation and improved public amenity through a comprehensive suite of urban design initiatives, including:

• Flexible and shared spaces.
• Improved disability access.
• Street furniture.
• Pavement treatments and seating walls.
• Multipurpose arbours with opportunities for lighting, roofed sections and climbing plants.
• Outdoor dining opportunities.
• Walkway connections.
• Tree planting and landscaped garden beds.
• Opportunities for public art.
• Heritage interpretation displays.

The project is now in the detailed design and approvals phase and is expected to enter the construction phase in late 2026 or early 2027.

Location

162 Beardy Street, Armidale 2350  View Map

-30.5113712,151.6589535

162 Beardy Street , Armidale 2350

162 Beardy Street , Armidale 2350

Old Courthouse Courtyard upgrade