Nestled on the corner of La Trobe and Russell Streets stands a building of immense historical significance. This is the Former Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. Its walls whisper tales of justice, trials, and even a surprising paleontological discovery.
The Courthouse’s story begins long before its current structure. Back in 1842, a modest two-story brick building was erected on this very site. It was home to the Supreme Court of Victoria. As the gold rush boomed, a wooden extension was added in 1853. This was needed to deal with the surge of cases.
In 1884, the Supreme Court sought larger accommodations and moved to William Street. The Russell Street building then became the Court of Petty Sessions. But those old buildings were demolished in 1910. The Courthouse that stands before us today was erected in their place.
The foundation stone was laid in 1911. The Lord Mayor of Melbourne officially opened the building on January 20, 1914. Designed by George B.H. Austin, it is a proud example of Norman Romanesque revival style. The Swanson Brothers, a contracting firm, constructed it entirely of Australian materials. Yellow Moorabool stone, Batesford limestone, Gippsland marble, and local timbers were used. This was a symbol of national pride.
Interestingly, the Premier of Victoria, Hon. Thomas Bent, had promised the Council of the Working Men’s College, now RMIT University, that the new court would blend in with their main building. That building was next door at 124 La Trobe Street. Opinion was divided as to whether this goal was achieved.
Over the years, rooms were converted to courtrooms. The original three expanded to eleven. In the early 1960s, a four-story cream brick building was added at the back. This provided additional courts and clerical offices. In 1970, the name changed from the Court of Petty Sessions to the Magistrates’ Court. This was to reflect its function more accurately.
Many famous trials were held within these walls. Gangster Leslie ‘Squizzy’ Taylor was tried here in 1924. He was accused of killing a pedestrian while driving. Even bushranger Ned Kelly faced conviction for murder here in 1880 when it was the Supreme Court. He was later hanged at the adjoining Old Melbourne Gaol.
But the Courthouse holds another secret. While splitting a Batesford limestone block during construction, a stonemason discovered a 19-million-year-old Barnacle fossil. The block with the fossil was carefully incorporated into the new building’s entrance.
In the early 1990s, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court moved to William Street. The Russell Street building was closed. It remained unused, except as a set for TV shows and films. RMIT University purchased it in 1997.
After RMIT acquired the building, two geologists examined the Tertaclitella fossil. They wanted to declare it a new species. However, the National Trust listing on the building made removing anything illegal. Finally, in 2006, RMIT was allowed to collect its holotype for handing over to Museum Victoria. This happened surrounded by curious onlookers and television cameras.
Today, the Former Melbourne Magistrates’ Court is known as RMIT Building 20. It accommodates workspace for RMIT’s administration. The adjacent Former City Watch-house is now a museum. So, the next time you pass by this grand building, remember its dual history. It is a place of law and order, and a treasure trove of paleontological wonder.