Historic West Coast courthouse for sale
A historic courthouse on the West Coast is for sale.
The Ministry of Justice has listed the
105-year-old Greymouth heritage building on the market.
It needs major refurbishment and earthquake strengthening and has not been used since 2007.
Ministry commercial and property general manager Fraser Gibbs said it was one of the most prominent heritage buildings in Greymouth.
‘‘The former Greymouth courthouse was built during a major period of government construction and stands testament to the importance of Greymouth and the West Coast in early
20th-century New Zealand,’’ he said. ‘‘Many original features of the building remain, including the rimu panelling in the courtroom, architraves, doors, cornices and skirting.
‘‘The current courthouse was completed and has been in use since 2007 as the former courthouse no longer met the needs of the modern justice system or the Greymouth community. This is a unique opportunity for anyone with a passion for heritage.’’
‘‘A unique opportunity for anyone with a passion for heritage.’’
Fraser Gibbs Ministry of Justice
The new courthouse, also on Guinness St, is more than three times larger than the old courthouse. It allowed for two courtrooms, a jury room, more staff offices and dedicated space for Corrections, lawyers, police and victim advisers. It also had improved security and technology the old courthouse did not have. The land the old courthouse sites on, which is leasehold to Mawhera Incorporated, is excluded from the sale.
The single-storey courthouse was built in imperial baroque style and was one of the last provincial buildings designed by government architect John Campbell. It has a Category 1 historic places listing from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and was modelled on the Law Courts and Municipal Buildings in Cardiff, Wales.
The ministry has not listed an asking price but is calling for interested buyers to contact them at mojproperty@justice.govt.nz.