The building, which was closed in late 2011 because of earthquake risk and transferred to the ownership of Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) for disposal last year, remained at ''step 1'' in the disposal process, LINZ Crown Property group manager John Hook confirmed this week.
Step 1 was determining whether the land is needed for any other public works. The council, meanwhile, is considering buying it, strengthening it and leasing it back to the Ministry of Justice for court use.
It is listed in an council assets group activity report as the first priority of ''larger projects'' for the property department.
Mr Kircher said the council's negotiations continued with the Ministry of Justice over what it required for court services.
The Ministry of Justice's use of the courthouse would be ''fairly infrequent'', but because of its unique requirements, it was unlikely the building could be used for other business, he said.
Some areas would be suitable to rent as separate office space, but with a criminal court held there about every fortnight it was unlikely to attract interest from local businesses.
''It makes it really difficult to use it for anything else.''
The council was also investigating what the earthquake strengthening requirements for the building were.
To make it viable for the council to buy it, the Ministry of Justice would have to sign a long term lease and pay a rental that would cover costs.
''If it can all stack up, essentially it'll go back to the councillors for sign off,'' Mr Kircher said.
He would like to see the building used and ensure court services remained in Oamaru, but it was also important that the costs were not going to be prohibitive for the council and Waitaki ratepayers were not having to contribute to the project.
''If we can't go back [to councillors] with a report that says it all stacks up, then it won't happen.''
It had been a long, drawn out process for the council, ''like wading through molasses''.
''[But] I think the Ministry of Justice are motivated to make things happen.''
Oamaru court proceedings were temporarily carried out in Timaru after the historic court house was closed. They were then held at the Oamaru Opera House and since August last year, in a Portacom building in an Oamaru car park.
