Magistrates Court Petty Sessions

The Magistrates Court, also known as the Petty Sessions, was built in 1879 by Josiah Thomas. It is constructed of limestone ashlar with terracotta dressings, and the roof is not visible. The building features a design in the Italianate style with Baroque details and consists of three storeys with a seven-window range, arranged in a 1:3:3 pattern. The middle section of the façade is set back, and there is a plinth at the banded ground floor. The building has cornices at the ground and first floors, a sill band on the first floor, and a modillion cornice with a parapet.

The central entrance has paired fluted pilasters supporting an entablature adorned with foliate terracotta panels. Above the entrance is an open segmental pediment that contains the City arms, with a seated statue of Justice positioned above. Inside, the entrance lobby features tall plinths supporting paired Ionic columns and antae, along with a modillion cornice and flanking niches with rounded bases. The left-hand section of the building has middle windows that are set back. The ground-floor windows have panelled pilaster jambs, terracotta apron panels, and projecting cornice sections. The first-floor windows have panelled jambs with consoles supporting projecting cornice sections, while the second-floor windows are adorned with architraves that have curled shoulders on the aprons. The windows throughout are horned plate-glass sashes.

The interior includes a large lobby with half panelling and a coved ceiling featuring a lantern. A passage leads to an ornate rear hall with glazed tiled walls, green wainscotting, and cream above with green panels. The hall has blue plinths on granite bases, black granite Ionic columns with fluted necks arranged in groups of four, paired granite pilasters, and panelled cross beams, all enhanced by stained glass lanterns. The courts within the building also have half panelling and coved ceilings.