Uralla Mayor Michael Pearce said he was pleased the town's courthouse, built in the 19^th century, was set to get a near million dollar spruce-up.

"When Thunderbolt was shot in 1870, in May 1870, his body was on display outside this very courthouse - for the public," he said.

"It's reported that the table he was laid out on is still at the McCrossin's Mill Museum, which is just down the road."

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The building was used as a working court for another century, hearing its final matters in the 1980s.

"They obviously built things to last in those days," Cr Pearce joked.

Since then it's been left unused, though all the detritus of a working court remains in the building and it is structurally still in good repair.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced on Thursday the state government would spend $925,000 to bring the building back to a useable state.

Uralla Shire Council has considered using it for local government offices, but Cr Pearce said it could also be used for a local business and prove a tourist attraction, given its connection to Australia's bushranger history.

The state government grant will go towards beautification and interior refurbishment, and repainting the building both internally and externally.

The council could even hold meetings in the old court.

"It'd be quite ironic I think, for the mayor to sit at the table and get the gavel out," Cr Peace said.

The choice will be up to the community, he said.

There's no rush to make a decision - refurbishment will take about two years

"It'll be up to the council and what the community see the need and the want for. It's an exciting time and we're very lucky to get some money for it. Let's face it, if we didn't get the funding for it, it probably would have sat here for another 30 years," Cr Pearce said.

"It's good to see the old building's going to get a lease of life."

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