Flooding Forces Major Closure at Sydney Courthouse
Sydney’s Downing Centre courthouse will remain closed for at least four weeks following extensive internal flooding caused by a burst water main. The sudden incident has left one of the city’s busiest legal venues out of action, affecting thousands of scheduled hearings and proceedings.
Critical Infrastructure Damaged
Floodwater from the burst pipe on Castlereagh Street severely damaged infrastructure inside the Downing Centre, including IT systems, electrical circuits, and other technology critical to court operations. The impact on the building’s core services was described as “extensive” and highly disruptive.
Closure Confirmed, Repairs Underway
A spokesman confirmed the closure, saying: “The Downing Centre will be closed for at least four weeks. Assessment of the damage is ongoing, however it is clear that extensive repairs will be required.” Immediate repairs are underway but the timeline for reopening remains uncertain.
Impact on Court Functions and Scheduling
The Downing Centre houses a range of important judicial functions, including Sydney’s local, district, and drug courts. The closure is now causing a massive reshuffling of legal schedules, with priority being given to high-severity matters involving defendants held in custody.
Delays Expected for Minor Cases
Less urgent cases—including self-represented disputes like parking fines—are expected to face major delays. Court officials have advised the public to check official listings or contact the Court Service Centre before attending any scheduled hearings.

Emergency Evacuation Amid Power Failures
Power failures caused by the flooding added to the emergency, trapping two people inside lifts before they were rescued. Entire lower floors were completely flooded, forcing a full evacuation of the building, including lawyers, barristers, journalists, and public servants.
Chaos During Morning Evacuation
The evacuation was ordered shortly before 10am on Tuesday, as conditions inside worsened due to rising water levels. Eyewitnesses described the chaotic mass exit from the complex, marking one of the most disruptive days in the courthouse’s history.
Contractors Begin Recovery Work
Contractors have been urgently deployed to pump out the water and begin recovery operations. The flood has raised broader concerns about infrastructure vulnerability in one of Sydney’s most vital government buildings.
Justice System Faces Growing Backlog
The court system now faces a significant backlog, adding pressure to already stretched resources. Legal professionals and court staff are bracing for weeks of delays, reschedules, and administrative complications as repairs continue.
Review of Preparedness Likely
This unexpected closure has highlighted the fragility of central legal operations, and is likely to prompt a review of risk and disaster preparedness within judicial precincts. For now, Sydney’s justice system will be working under strain until the Downing Centre reopens.