Parramatta. $14 million revamp completed

The Parramatta Courthouse has reopened after an 11-month upgrading costing $14 million; the largest renovation since it was opened 35 years ago. The building has undergone a 21st century makeover internally, with all public areas refurbished and new videoconferencing technology installed in most courtrooms. Videoconferencing enables the court to hear bail applications made from prison and evidence from witnesses who are overseas or otherwise unable to attend court. Parramatta has had the second highest Local Court workload in NSW. More than 315,000 cases have been heard over the past 10 years.