Dunedin courthouse saved (+ video)

Dunedin barrister and courthouse advocate Anne Stevens (left) and her dog Louie celebrate...
Dunedin barrister and courthouse advocate Anne Stevens (left) and her dog Louie celebrate yesterday’s decision with Courthouse Taskforce members Dunedin city councillor Aaron Hawkins and University of Otago Faculty of Law dean Prof Mark Henaghan. Photo...

Dunedin's 113-year-old courthouse will be saved, strengthened, restored and have all its court service returned to it.

The decision was made during yesterday's final Cabinet meeting of 2015 and was announced shortly afterwards.

It means more than $15 million will be spent over a two-year strengthening project.

As well as lifting the oldest parts of the Stuart St complex to between 60% and 70% of new building standard - some parts of the complex are currently rated below 20% - the project will also include "restoration'' work, as well as moves to haul the complex into one suitable "to operate as modern court facilities''.

Minister of Justice and Courts Amy Adams said the decision reflected the courthouse's role as "one of New Zealand's most notable historic buildings''.

"Cabinet's decision reflects its significance, both as a part of the city's rich cultural heritage and its importance to the region's legal fraternity.''

Ms Adams, who had repeatedly said publicly her intention, expectation and desire was to see the building restored, said yesterday's decision "delivered on that commitment''.

The assessment process had included a comprehensive business case which had been peer-reviewed before being subjected to "a robust review'' by Treasury.

"The investigations showed that as a category one heritage building, strengthening the courthouse is a complex project and requires a significant capital investment.''

The process had also shown how passionate Dunedin people were about their built heritage, and Ms Adams' announcement acknowledged "the deep support locals have shown for the historic courthouse throughout this process''.

Chief of those local advocates, Dunedin barrister Anne Stevens said the announcement had left her "jumping up and down'' with excitement.

"Just, wow, we got there! I'm absolutely thrilled to bits. And I think it's entirely down to all the local support as Amy Adams acknowledged [in her statement].

"Dunedinites once again have shown their strength in numbers. Because we're pretty far down south, but we can make ourselves heard.''

Mrs Stevens, who had been pushing for information, openness and explanations on the courthouse saga for several years, said she had always believed the building would be saved in the end.

"I did think reason had to prevail. How could you not restore that building?''

Dunedin city councillor and Courthouse Taskforce spokesman David Benson-Pope credited the decision in part to the "thousands of people in Dunedin and elsewhere who sent a clear message to Government that this building must be maintained for its correct purpose''.

"Dunedin people in George St made their views clear. Locals and visitors at the Farmers Market and South Dunedin left no doubt about the response they required.''

The decision also showed the Government was "prepared to stand by the rules it sets'' around ensuring public safely in historic buildings.

That sent a "powerful message'' to owners of historic buildings, he said.

Dunedin list MP Michael Woodhouse said the announcement was "great news'' for the city.

As well as highlighting Mrs Adams' commitment to the building, it also showcased the influence local people could have on Government decision-making.

There was "no doubt'' the strident support the courthouse received from Dunedin's legal and wider communities had impacted the final outcome, he said.

"That certainly had an influence, I think, on the energy that went in on considering [the courthouse's] future,'' Mr Woodhouse said.

"I'm just pleased to see life being breathed back into not just the city's, but one of the country's most beautiful buildings.''

A "delighted'' Dunedin North and Labour MP David Clark said credit must go to the civil engineers, lawyers, city councillors and journalists who had kept pressure on the Government from the start.

"Today, we must congratulate the Government on making the right decision, and the public of Dunedin for never giving up the fight.''

Until restoration is complete, Dunedin's court services would operate from the temporary court in High St, Ms Adams said.

craig.borley@odt.co.nz

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