Armadale residents are taking to social media to voice their concerns about the condition of the old Armadale courthouse, with questions being raised about safety, upkeep and the future of the long-vacant site.
A City of Armadale spokesperson said the former courthouse was managed by the state government.
“The city has no power to act on this state-owned site,” the spokesperson said.
“The city has made the (Department of Justice (DOJ)) aware of the rough sleepers and the department are committed to finding solutions to this complex issue.
“The city has been keen to provide support and will continue to work closely with the department and WA Police.”
A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the site was a departmental asset and said the presence of people experiencing homelessness in the precinct had recently come to its attention.
“Along with other providers, the department is exploring options to secure the site as well as relocate and connect the people with appropriate support services for their safety and that of the local community,” the spokesperson said.
The future of the old courthouse has been uncertain for years, following calls for upgraded justice facilities in the Armadale area.
In September 2016, the Examiner reported land had been secured for a new courthouse after the city raised concerns both the old courthouse and police station were rundown and no longer fit for purpose (Armadale land secured for new courthouse, police station, September 1, 2016).
In New police complex coming soon (Examiner, May 3, 2018), those calls were answered in when the state government committed $78 million to build a new complex between Thomas Street and Third Road.
The complex eventually opened in late 2023 after a two-year delay (Armadale law and order complex opens after two-year delay, November 2, 2023).
At the time, former Police Minister Paul Papalia said discussions were underway about how the old courthouse and police station could be repurposed.
More than two years on, the state government still hasn’t occupied the building.
Police Minister Reece Whitby was contacted for comment who directed the Examiner to Attorney General Tony Buti.
The Examiner asked Dr Buti what the plan was for the building.
“The Department of Justice is currently working with Department of Communities, City of Armadale, WAPOL, to secure the old Armadale Court site as well as relocate and connect the people living in the building with appropriate support services for their safety and that of the local community,” he said.
