Celebrating a century of justice at Manly Courthouse

Thursday, 4 July 2024

A ceremony marking the centenary of Manly Courthouse was held at the historic building today, marking exactly 100 years of delivering justice for the Northern Beaches community.

Public officials, legal professionals and local services attended the milestone event, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General Hugh McDermott, NSW Chief Magistrate Judge Peter Johnstone and President of the Northern Beaches Law Society Philippa Grant.

Manly Courthouse has functioned as a court in the NSW judicial system since it was officially opened on 4 July 1924. Prior to that, Manly’s original court was housed in the Council Chambers across the road, in what is now Manly Oval.

Then Minister for Justice the Hon Thomas J Ley laid the foundation stone on 19 September 1923 and construction was completed by Mr RT Quiggin at a cost of £6,902 (around $670,000 today). Its design features Interwar Classical Revival style architecture, with original elements such as a pedimented gable with sandstone trim.

In addition to major alterations in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the building has undergone recent upgrades, including:

• installation of Audio Visual Link facilities in both court rooms
• a remote witness room
• a witness safe room, providing a secure and comfortable space for victim-survivors and others to use while attending court.

The NSW Government also recently completed major works to repair and restore the heritage sandstone part of the courthouse’s exterior.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Manly Courthouse has been delivering justice for the Northern Beaches for generations and forms a significant part of the local civic landscape.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the courthouse remains fit-for-purpose and retains its historic character for years to come.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General Hugh McDermott said:

“This iconic building has been a pillar of the Manly community for a centenary.”