The Courthouse and Police Station was designed by government architect Walter Liberty Vernon with construction starting on High Street (Harbour Drive) in 1905. The building structure was known as a co-joined building meaning that the police function section, the court section and the police residence were integrated in the one building.

It was purchased by Coffs Harbour City Council in 2010 with the intention that it become the permanent home for the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum after refurbishment. The building operated as a Museum from 2014 to 2022. It is heritage listed.