The State Courts' iconic octagonal building in Havelock Square marked its 40th anniversary yesterday.

The building, known as the Subordinate Courts building until last March when it was renamed, centralised various courthouses around Singapore. It initially housed 26 courtrooms over an area of 30,600 sq m, but saw more courtrooms added over the years. Today, it houses 40 courtrooms and 28 hearing chambers.

The building achieved conservation status on July 10, 2013. When a new State Courts complex is completed in 2019, the current building will be retrofitted and the Family Justice Courts will operate there in 2023.

The new complex, located in front of the current building, will house more than 60 courtrooms and 50 hearing chambers.