By Tate Papworth
An expansion of the Sunshine Magistrates court could be on the cards.
A Court Services Victoria spokeswoman said it was reviewing the functional requirements of the Sunshine Magistrates Court after a tenant vacated the building, freeing up space within the court.
The review is part of a broader statewide strategic asset planning review being undertaken by Court Services Victoria.
In December, the Steve Bracks-led West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) called for the Sunshine court area to become a legal services hub.
Mr Bracks told Star Weekly that redevelopment of the area into a legal services hub could tap into both the expected growth in professional, scientific and technical services, as well as public administration and safety.
“I’ve been calling for a while for parts of the Department of Justice to relocate from Melbourne to Sunshine,” Mr Bracks said.
“It would make it a real hub, bringing in all that comes with it, such as contractors and support provisions.”
WoMEDA believes it would be possible to locate the Family Violence Agency, the Adult Parole Board, a new research centre into recidivism, and the Department of Corrections, to Sunshine.
It comes as the neighbouring Werribee Magistrates Court is bursting at the seams and struggling to keep up with demand.
In January, Wyndham councillor Kim McAliney said that with only two courtrooms – including one for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – the Werribee court was often “overcrowded”.
“The building cannot accommodate the sheer number of people requiring legal intervention, without compromising safety,” Cr McAliney said.
Wyndham has been earmarked as a “high priority region requiring a new purpose-built court”.
