Shortly before 10 a.m. on Tuesday 17 June 2025, a burst water main inundated the lower levels of the Downing Centre Court in Sydney’s CBD.
The torrent knocked out electricity, IT networks, lifts and other critical infrastructure, forcing an immediate evacuation.
Two people were briefly trapped in lifts and the entire court complex which comprises Local Courts, District Courts and Drug Courts, as well as a range of court support facilities was left without power.
The courthouse was evacuated with those attending with cases listed including defendants, witnesses and lawyers left uncertain about when and where the matters would be held.
How long will the courts be shut?
The Department of Communities and Justice confirmed today that the Downing Centre courthouse will remain closed for “at least four weeks” while extensive repairs are undertaken and safety checks completed.
Further updates will be issued as engineers assess the damage.
Where will my court case be heard?
The Department has provided the following information and key contacts regarding cases that are currently listed in Downing Centre Court:
| Jurisdiction | Temporary venue | Key contact |
| Local Court (custody matters & bail/sentence lists) | Central Local Court, 98 Liverpool St | Downing Centre LC Registry – dclc@justice.nsw.gov.au (courts.nsw.gov.au) |
| Local Court (non-custody matters) | John Maddison Tower (JMT), 86-90 Goulburn St | Online Court list or JMT noticeboards (courts.nsw.gov.au) |
| District Court (criminal lists & trials) | JMT, Court 21A (plus overflow courts to be arranged) | ag-sdc-crime@dcj.nsw.gov.au (courts.nsw.gov.au) |
| Civil (Local & District) | JMT Civil Registry or venues to be advised | sydneycivilregistry@justice.nsw.gov.au (courts.nsw.gov.au) |
| Drug Court (Downing Centre) | Contact registry on (02) 8688 4525 | drugcourtsydney@justice.nsw.gov.au (courts.nsw.gov.au) |
Tip: Always check the Online Court the night before or morning of your listing and keep your phone handy courts are sending late relocation notices by email and SMS.
What if I have a matter in custody?
Judicial officers have prioritised part-heard trials and matters where defendants are in custody. If you’re on remand, expect your case to proceed at an alternative venue as soon as courtrooms become available.
Will my case be adjourned?
Lower-priority hearings traffic, fines and short defended lists may be stood over. If you are unrepresented, call the Court Service Centre on 1300 679 272 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm) to confirm your status.
What should defendants and witnesses do right now?
- Stay in contact with your lawyer—venues can change with 24 hours’ notice.
- Monitor email/SMS for court messages and jury summons updates.
- Plan extra travel time: Central Court and JMT security lines are already congested.
- Keep proof of any communication from the court; if delays prejudice your case, your lawyer can raise it at the next mention.
A broader concern
The Downing Centre is one of Australia’s busiest criminal court complexes. This shutdown highlights the fragility of NSW court infrastructure and the knock-on effect on accused persons’ right to a swift trial. While authorities scramble to relocate hundreds of daily matters, defendants risk extended remand or lengthy adjournments with real human cost.
Need help?
If your case is listed at the Downing Centre or any other New South Wales court get clear, strategic advice now. The team at Sydney Criminal Lawyers® has decades of experience navigating sudden court disruptions and protecting clients’ rights in all circumstances.
Call (02) 9261 8881
