Kane Constructions has completed the Specialist Family Violence Court redevelopment at the Geelong Law Courts, delivering a purpose-built facility designed to improve safety, accessibility and support for people navigating the justice system.
Delivered for Court Services Victoria, the project forms part of the Victorian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, creating a more secure and inclusive court environment for victim-survivors, court staff and the judiciary.
The redevelopment included construction of a new two-level building and extensive refurbishment works to the existing live court facility. Key features include separate entry and exit points, safe waiting areas, private interview rooms, remote witness technology and child-friendly spaces, all carefully integrated with the existing Magistrates’ Court and judicial chambers.
Construction was undertaken within a fully operational court precinct, requiring detailed staging and coordination to minimise disruption. Noisy works were carefully managed through agreed out-of-hours windows, with demolition and steel installation completed during afternoon and night shifts to allow court operations to continue uninterrupted.
Located alongside sensitive neighbours including Victoria Police, V/Line and VicTrack, the project required close collaboration and a well-defined noisy works matrix to maintain safety and continuity across the precinct.
The completed Specialist Family Violence Court provides a contemporary, trauma-informed setting that supports privacy, dignity and security, while improving access to justice for the Barwon South West community.
