Skip to main content

Heritage Places of Adelaide

Local and District Court (former Police Court)

241-259 Victoria Square, corner of King William Street ADELAIDE

State Heritage Place

The Local and District Court (former Police Court) is significant as one of the State's most important group of law buildings, forming a distinct precinct at the southern end of Adelaide's Victoria Square. It has direct associations with the other three courts in the vicinity, both physically and historically, and reflects the importance that colonial South Australia placed on its judiciary service and the administration of justice.An imposing classically inspired structure, it was completed in 1867 under the supervision of the Colonial Architect R G Thomas. It was originally designed to accommodate the Police Court, and also contained offices for the Commissioner and a residence for the Inspector of Metropolitan Police. With various alterations and additions it functioned in that capacity until 1891, when it became the Local and Insolvency Court. [Adapted from: Danvers Architects 'The Local and District Court Building, King William Street Adelaide: Conservation Study' December 1987]

Listing Information

  • Date of Listing: 24 July 1980

More Information