The dark grey ramp which dominates the front of the Lords Place building is part of a $630,000 security upgrade for the Orange courthouse.

A spokesman for the Department of Communities and Justice said the ramp was temporary.

"The ramp is providing temporary disability access while building work is being carried out at the Byng Street entrance," he said.

"It will be in place for the duration of the upgrade."

The ramp's look has divided opinion on social media.

A statement from Attorney General Mark Speakman said "the upgrade has been designed in close consultation with heritage experts" and the work would take four months.

"[The upgrade] will significantly improve safety and include a new entrance to the courthouse as well as rooms for victims, witnesses, jurors and Sheriff's officers," he said.

An airport-style scanning machine, a Sheriff's office, a search room and a secure exit will become part of an extension to the front of the courthouse. It will add a domestic violence room and a waiting room for vulnerable victims and witnesses appearing in court.

The court registry will also be renovated to improve facilities for staff.

Mr Speakman said the number of Sheriff's officers at the courthouse had doubled to four and they had received training which included using communication skills to resolve conflict without force.

He said the upgrade would not impact court operations.