Thursday 9 February 2012

Surry Hills, Children's Court

The former Children's Court on the corner of Albion Street and Commonwealth Street, in the inner city suburb of Surry Hills. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon in the Federation Academic Classical architectural style and built in 1911. The first separate Children's Court was held in Ormond House at Paddington from 1905 until 1911, when it moved to this specifically built court building. It has ben heritage listed for its impact on girls and boys affected by the juvenile justice system between 1911 and 1983. The building has since been used by the Sydney City Mission and a range of community organisations.

20 comments:

  1. Walter Liberty Vernon knew what he was doing. Although I suspect this architectural style was a bit passe' by 1911, he wanted the building to exude justice and dignity.

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  2. This old building looks like it was designed to last Jim, solid. Glad it's still being put to good use these days.

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  3. I love the way it hugs the curve of the street
    I really like red brick

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  4. Hmmm, that looks rather menacing to me, Jim...
    Great shot.

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    1. Nick, probably menacing to the children that had to appear in court there too.

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  5. What gives with the yellow diamond shaped sign with the two legs on it?

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    1. Andy, that yellow sign is a pedestrian crossing sign. There is a pedestrian crossing right there in front of it, just out of shot. I assume they look different in your part of the world.

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  6. Thats a massive building, sitting so heavy on the corner. Great capture.

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  7. Doesn't that make you mad when signs and power poles get in the way of a good shot.

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  8. I would really like your post ,it would really explain each and every point clearly well

    thanks for sharing.

    Regards

    Sydney landscapes

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  9. Such a historical site. Love the architecture...especially the entry. The curved arch is so nice. I am so glad the building has been recycled and is now being using for other things.

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  10. a whole building designed specifically for a children's court is quite forward thinking for early 1900.

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  11. I used to work in the building in the late 80s/ early 90s when it was being used as a Proclaimed Place for homeless alcoholics. Some older clients had bad experiences there as children and there were two dungeon-like cells with bars and no windows in a lower part of the building.

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  12. Does anyone know of a TV series where this court was used or shown?

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    1. Kdee, I seem to remember a TV series had filmed there, around the time I posted this photo but I can't recall which one it was. I think they used it to portray flats rather than a court.

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  13. The entire rear of the building is about to be demolished and rebuilt with a zincalume facade. This will ensure it retains all the characteristics of an aircraft hanger.
    Apparently Crown architects do not require any public approval process.

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