Downing Centre reopens after flooding
The Downing Centre reopened on Friday, 19 December 2025 with upgraded facilities, making the building more accessible, inclusive and fit-for-purpose for people attending court.
The reopening follows six months of remediation work led by a team of engineers, architects, builders and skilled tradespeople after flooding forced the closure of the building in June 2025.
Court attendance
Some Local Court matters will be listed at the Downing Centre from 22 December 2025, with normal sittings to resume from 12 January 2026. The Sydney Drug Court also resumes at the Downing Centre from 22 December 2025. The District Court will resume operations at the Downing Centre in 2026.
Key dates:
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Friday, 19 December 2025 | Building reopens, registry services available, and final day of District Court term. |
| Monday, 22 December 2025 | Local Court list court (4.1) and Drug Court (2.8) resume sittings. Other courts will continue operating at John Maddison Tower (JMT) and Central. All Sydney Drug Court listings and drug testing will take place at the Downing Centre. |
| Wednesday, 24 December 2025 | Final day of Local Court sittings for 2025. |
| Monday, 12 January 2026 | Fixed vacation period ends, and Local Court sittings return to full capacity. |
| Monday, 19 January 2026 | Limited District Court sittings commence. |
| Monday, 2 February 2026 | District Court law term commences, with District Court sittings returning to full capacity. |
Why was the Downing Centre closed?
The Downing Centre was closed on 17 June 2025 following flooding caused by a burst Sydney Water main under Castlereagh Street.
The flooding caused damage to the Ausgrid substation, as well as critical plant and equipment in the Downing Centre. This included damage to the mechanical services switchboard, various IT switches and electrical equipment throughout the building, as well as structural impacts as a result of the water pressure.
What happened during the closure?
Responsive case management was in place with matters previously listed at the Downing Centre being heard at alternative locations. The jury assembly was also relocated for the duration of the closure.
While the building was closed to the public, additional upgrades were made to modernise internal public areas in the building, improve environmental efficiencies, and replace plant and equipment nearing end of life.
New features include a refurbished foyer and public spaces throughout the building, improved security systems, upgraded Audio Visual Links and technology in some courtrooms, and upgrades to public amenities including the addition of toilets, parents' room and first aid room.
Further upgrades are planned to follow the opening, including the installation of new signage to support wayfinding and new digital listing boards.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and we pay respect to the Elders, past, present and future.