FAQ’s (June 2025)

Government tender and sale of the Berrima Gaol

In 2021 the New South Wales Government announced the sale of the Berrima Correctional Centre (historically known as the Berrima Gaol). The NSW State Government called for expressions of interest which was followed by a competitive tender process.

The Blue Sox Group (Blue Sox) was the successful bidder with its vison for a multi-venue precinct that could offer greater value to the wider community as a whole. The sale was completed in February 2023. The proposal for the site will see an adaptive reuse of the historic gaol that will serve a new purpose for both Berrima and the Southern Highlands.

Our vision

The Blue Sox proposal is to create a welcoming, thriving and lively collection of venues in the heart of Berrima in a major tourism destination. We want to bring locals and visitors together to experience the iconic building and surrounding landscape, while being respectful and supportive of the history and heritage significance of the site. This will be achieved by creating a shared experience inside the gaol and an arrangement of uses that maximises appreciation of the site and its history.

Our proposal will include high quality hotel accommodation, a signature restaurant and bar, event and wedding venue spaces, as well as a wellness centre, and other uses for day trippers and overnight visitors. We are yet to determine suitable supportive uses for the former Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s residences and invite feedback from the community on possible uses for these two buildings.

SSD means State Significant Development; SSD is an approval pathway for an applicant to lodge a development application to the NSW State government. For SSD applications the consent authority is the Minister for Planning. There are criteria to be met in order to be eligible for lodging an SSD application; for example, if an applicant is proposing a new development on a site which has an item listed on the NSW state heritage register then an SSD application for the development can be made.

As part of preparing an SSD application an applicant must engage with the community and stakeholders and prepare a community engagement report. As part of this process the applicant must engage and consult with the local Council. As with the whole community and all relevant government stakeholders the local Council has the opportunity during the public exhibition period (which occurs after the application has been lodged) to make comment on the proposal. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will refer the application to all government stakeholders including the local Council, who should make comment on the application.

The local Council is not the consent authority and is not responsible for providing information about the proposal to the community however DPHI will ultimately ask the Council if they support the proposal or not.

Since the sale of the site was completed Council have been consulted with and we will continue to engage with the Council on all aspects of the proposal

Heritage listing

The site has heritage listings at both state and local government levels. It is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and under the Wingecarribee Local Environment Plan (WLEP). The site’s history and heritage elements are comprehensively covered in the Conservation Management Plan (CMP).

An important element of a CMP is its role in defining how adaptive reuse can revitalise a heritage site. It is widely recognised by heritage professionals and governments that the adaptive reuse model ensures proper management, conservation and protection of a site into the future, and allows sustainable outcomes for the site and the community.

Conservation Management Plan

A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is a comprehensive document that provides guidance on how to manage the significance of a heritage site. The purpose of a CMP is to identify the heritage significance of a place and guide the conservation and management of its significance. It is also intended to assist property owners and occupiers to manage ongoing maintenance requirements and any future adaptive reuse and development. The CMP that has been developed for the Berrima Correctional Centre provides a detailed analysis of the place, its history and cultural heritage significance and its context. The analysis results in conservation policies that are to be adopted by all owners and users of the place

Adaptive reuse

Adaptive reuse is the process of modifying a place or building for a compatible alternative purpose while retaining its cultural heritage value. A good adaptation is sympathetic to the place, its existing components and its historic context, and one that makes changes that enhance and complement the identified heritage values of the place.

Respectful, innovative and high-quality adaptive reuse projects can bring fresh life to a place and improve its long-term financial and environmental sustainability. Recent successful adaptive reuse projects in NSW include:

• Carriageworks, North Eveleigh (contemporary performing arts centre for theatre, experimental dance and acrobatic theatre housed in the former Eveleigh Carriage Workshops, adjacent to Sydney’s main rail corridor);
• South Eveleigh & the Locomotive Workshop (an industrial-era precinct transformed into a dynamic commercial and retail hub integrating a contemporary industrial museum);
• Tramsheds Harold Park (heritage restoration project, salvaging and reinterpreting the iconic Tramway Depot to create a unique food destination – housing providores who are passionate about food, sustainability and education. Brought back to life, the building is now a much-loved destination for the local community as well as domestic and international visitors);
• Hinchcliff House, Quay Quarter Lanes, Sydney (One of Sydney’s last remaining wool stores (1860-1881), conserved and adapted as a multi-level hospitality venue in the city’s heritage heartland);
• Capella Hotel, Sydney (early 20th century sandstone building formerly housing the NSW Department of Education and repurposed as a luxury hotel);
• White Bay Power Station, Sydney;
• The Mint, Sydney CBD (adaptive reuse of an 1816 general hospital for convict patients, now home to Museums of History NSW’s head office, the Caroline Simpson Library, the Bullion Store cafe and various venue hire spaces. The Mint is the oldest surviving public building in the Sydney CBD);
• Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages, Hat Head National Park (conversion of historic lighthouse Head and Assistant Keepers cottages into commercial accommodation);
• George Patterson House, Sydney (late 19th Century showroom and warehouse repurposed as Establishment Hotel – a hospitality venue, restaurant, bar and boutique hotel)
• Irving Street Brewery (formerly the old Kent Brewery) in Sydney’s Central Park neighbourhood
• Joynton Street Creative Centre, Green Square Town Centre, Sydney. Former nurses’ accommodation block within the historic South Sydney Hospital site transformed into a creative centre with artist studios, workshop spaces and offices
• Paddington Reservoir Gardens, Oxford Street, Paddington. Former water board reservoir transformed into community garden space & public park

Examples of adaptive reuse gaol conversions include:

• Pentridge Prison, Coburg, Victoria (heritage listed penal establishment from 1851 , now a multi-venue precinct)
• Liberty Hotel, Boston, USA (formerly Charles Street Gaol, now a luxury hotel); and
• Hotel Wilmina, Berlin (formerly a courthouse and women’s prison then a juvenile detention centre, now a luxury hotel)
• Oxford Prison, Oxford Castle, Oxford United Kingdom (now Malmaison hotel)

Refer to the Adaptive Reuse page of this web site for a selection of these projects with photo’s and descriptions.

“Cities and towns across the state invariably benefit when their buildings are creatively designed and functional. (…) Alongside that, we need to protect the history and character that makes our state unique. Adapting heritage buildings to creative new uses helps to achieve both these goals. Put simply, heritage buildings need to be used to be appreciated and provide the greatest value to the community. Once a building’s function becomes redundant, adapting it to a new use provides for its future.”
(New Uses for Heritage Places – Guidelines for the the Adaptation of of Historic Buildings and Sites – NSW Heritage Office, NSW Department of Planning and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) )

How the State Significant Development (SSD) process works

Given its size, nature, the state heritage listing and the required capital investment value, the project qualifies as a project of state significance and therefore is eligible for submission to the NSW government as a State Significant Development.

The process of preparing an SSD submission is detailed and comprehensive. The process is outlined below:

STEP 1 (SEARs Application) – An application is made to receive the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEAR’s). If the department accepts the project as a project of state significance then a SEAR’s letter will be issued to the appliant. The SEAR’s sets out all the conditions and issues that must be addressed in the formal application, including matters such as environmental investigations that must be carried out, design plans, engineering works, community and First Nations people engagement, traffic impact studies and a raft of other assessments that must be undertaken. Conditions contained in the SEAR’s letter are comprehensive.

STEP 2 (Design Stage) – During the design development phase the NSW State Design Review Panel (SDRP) reviews proposed designs at an early concept stage to ensure the design is of a high standard and fit for state government assessment. The panel consists of individuals who are professionals in their respective fields covering architecture, town planning, landscape architecture, heritage and indigeneous culture & country in the built environment. The SDRP process is essentially a peer review of the proposed design. The SDRP will make recommendations on areas for improvement and may provide additional matters to be addressed in the final submission. Once all designs and assessments are completed the applicant lodges all required documentation including an Environmental Impact Statement through the NSW planning portal

STEP 3 (Assessment) – Once the formal application is lodged with the department it is assessed by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) and is publicly exhibited through the NSW government Major Projects web site for at least 28 days. The public has an opportunity during this period to formally lodge submissions regarding the application. The application is referred to other relevant state and local government agencies (e.g. the local Council) for comment. The applicant is given the opportunity to respond to and address all feedback received regarding the proposal.

STEP 4 (Determination) – Once the application is assessed the department will prepare and publish an assessment report and ask the consent authority to determine the project (the consent authority is the Minister for Planning however applications may be referred to the Independent Planning Commission for final determination).

State Design Review Panel

As a State Significant Development, plans for the site are subject to reviews & comments by the Government Architect NSW through a State Design Review Panel (SDRP) process. The SDRP provides independent, consistent design quality advice on projects of state significance. The panel is made up of industry professionals who are appointed by the Government Architect NSW. Panellists are independent and highly qualified design professionals. They have a variety of design skills and cross-disciplinary expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, sustainability, and Aboriginal and European culture and heritage.

Two SDRP meetings (presentations) have been held for the project. To learn more about the SDRP follow the link below

We are confident that the appointment of leading and award-winning industry professional designers and consultants to work on the project together with independent review and oversight by the Government Architect NSW and by conducting and responding to a broad community engagement program and ultimately the thorough review by the NSW government (including an array of government referral agencies which includes the local Council) will ensure that design excellence is achieved.

It should also be noted that the SSD application is not unlike a typical Development Application (DA) that would ordinarily be made to the local Council (‘DA level’ design), and as such there is a detailed design process to follow any granting of consent, and as part of this detailed design process refinements and improvement to the design shall be made. Any significant modifications to the design will require an SSD modification application to be lodged similar to any ordinary DA modification process.

https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/design-review/nsw-state-design-review-panel

Given the significance of the proposal, engagement with the local community is very important and has been an integral part of the design and planning process from the beginning. The engagement process has included:

• Meetings with individuals, community groups, key local stakeholders, businesses, the local Council and traditional owners
• Open day held at the site on Australia Day 2024, as well as an information stall at Market Place as part of the Wingecarribee Shire Council Australia Day celebrations.
• Sending out community update newsletters
• Developing a project web site with information about the project
• An invitation to residents and others to subscribe to a mailing list of people interested in keeping up to date on the project.
• Meetings with key government stakeholder groups such as NSW heritage office, NSW government architect, National Trust (southern highlands division)
• Community information drop-in sessions held in Berrima, Bowral and Moss Vale
• Online survey (promoted through the community drop-in sessions)
• Information flyer distributed through two local businesses
• TV, radio and newspaper interviews including newspaper articles advertising events held
• Presentations given to the Government Architect NSW through the SDRP process
• Presentation to the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)

Even though we have now concluded our community information drop-in sessions and the survey the community can write in to us via the project web site, send us an email, subscribe to our mailing list or get in touch via the phone number provided on the project web site. In addition there will be a formal opportunity for anyone to make a submission to the government about the proposal during the public exhibition period which will occur after the application is lodged.

Connecting with Country is a state government initiative for projects of state significance which provides a framework for good practice in engaging with Aboriginal knowledge holders and responding to Country in the planning, design and delivery of built environment projects in NSW.

The project team is engaging with First Nations people as the traditional knowledge holders of the area to ensure future works on the site are planned and designed sensitively and appropriately towards responding to Country and in recognition of the traditional owners of the land.

There is no set timeframe for delivery of the project. It’s anticipated the assessment of the development application will occur throughout 2025, including the public exhibition period. If the project gains approval, the next stage will commence with detailed construction design anticipated to take approximately 12 months; construction approval will be sought once detailed designs are completed.

Plans are being finalised for a proposed accommodation building to the rear of the gaol. The building will have two storey and three storey sections and will contain approximately 60 suites. The accommodation building will not exceed the height of the gaol wall. Locating the hotel accommodation outside the gaol will allow maximising the internal spaces of the gaol to house venues for the community to enjoy. The hotel accommodation will also help meet local demand for high-quality accommodation which in turn helps boost the local economy.

Designed by award-winning architectural firm Turner, the architecture will be sympathetic to the local heritage context and complementary to the landscape both in materials, colour palette and scale.

It is proposed to have up to six hotel suites inside the gaol walls for those seeking more an authentic ‘locked up’ gaol experience. However siting all the hotel rooms inside the gaol would require locating the function space outside the gaol on the western side of the site. This concept layout was initially given condsideration however there were several restrictions and matters to take into account:

• The gaol walls naturally provide a degree of noise attenuation so it is advantageous from an acoustics perspective to utilise the inside of the gaol for this type of venue
• Placing all the proposed accommodation inside the gaol would likely be limiting on visitation appeal which in turn would have a negative affect on the viability of the proposal
• Development outside of the main perimeter walls of the gaol is permissible providing the heritage views are protected, heritage values of the site are maintained and that any new structures are not higher than the gaol walls

Development outside of the main perimeter walls of the gaol is permissible however there are restrictions such as protecting key heritage views, not building any new structures above the height of the walls, and protecting the external facades of the existing residences which must be adhered to.

It is fundamental to the success of the proposed adaptive reuse of the site to provide for much needed accommodation, car parking and activation of external areas (e.g. outdoor dining) and these facilities are best located outside the walls of the gaol. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse the site in its entirety, not just the area inside the main gaol perimeter walls; we strongly believe this is important to achieving the vision for the site and realising the sites maximum potential and future value to the community and the region.

The proposal to convert and adaptively reuse the site as a multi-venue precinct incorporating accommodation, wellness, function centre and F&B (restaurant, bar) was part of the Blue Sox proposal to the NSW government during the sale process and on the basis of this proposal Blue Sox was the successful bidder. Blue Sox is committed to delivering on the proposal made to and accepted by the NSW government.

The vision for the site’s future is to create a new and exciting place that aims to build on and contribute to a strong visitor economy in the Southern Highlands. Tourism is a key industry in the region, both in terms of value-add and employment. According to the Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 Background Report (Nov 2020) visitation in the region had risen by more than 50% since 2014. According to the report the region is dominated by domestic visitors, with day-trip visitors accounting for 70% of total visitation in 2019 and domestic overnight visitors accounting for 30% of total visitation.

The lack of locally based economic drivers such as retail businesses and tourism could present potential future issues for the region’s economy, leaving it susceptible to future shocks. Tourism is a key opportunity for the Southern Highlands and the proposal seeks to respond to this opportunity.

Whilst maintaining elements graded as ‘exceptional’ and ‘high’ heritage significance we are proposing a new use for the site which we strongly believe will add the highest value to the region by maximising the potential use of the site and maximising its tourism drawcard potential. The proposal will increase employment opportunities in the region, will support local businesses particularly those in agriculture and food services and will provide much needed accommodation which in turn supports major events (e.g. festivals, music events), local businesses and other tourism destinations.

The proposal seeks to achieve a balance between the objectives of heritage conservation, the needs of the region for quality accommodation facilitating the tourism industry & the wider economy, the needs for a commercially viable proposal and minimising or preventing any environmental impact. Note that the accommodation building will not be visible from the town centre or the main street and will not exceed the height of the gaol walls. Key heritage views from Argyle St will be preserved. We believe the scale and location of the accommodation is an appropriate response in endeavouring to meet all of the competing requirements for a successful reuse of the site.

Heritage conservation principles of adaptive reuse permit interventions in heritage fabrics providing that the heritage significance of the place is maintained, the adaptive reuse overall has minimal impact on the buildings heritage values, the intervention is sympathetic and wherever possible is reversible (utilising the same material that made up the original fabric). Many (if not most) endeavours to adapt an existing heritage structure to a whole new use will require incorporating some form of modification or alteration to that existing structure; these are termed ‘interventions’ (refer Adaptive Reuse page in this web site for examples photos), and in many cases they present a challenge in striking the right balance between the opposing interests of heritage conservation (where the structure has a high heritage value) and meeting the needs of the new purpose.

The proposed intervention is seen as a vital aspect to the success of transitioning the site to serve a new purpose for the community and the region and in realising the sites highest and best future use. Inherently critical to this is the need to activate & energise the spaces outside the gaol during both day time and evenings. Due to the natural curiosity of passers-by (which is focussed on the south-east area in front of the gaol), the garden area to the front of the gaol presents a key location for attracting and drawing in visitors, guests and tourists alike; this area is therefore an ideal location to use for transitioning the perception of the site as being closed, cold, and defensive to being open, warm and inviting. To achieve this we are proposing to re-create part of this area as a casual all-day & evening outdoor dining space. This will also help to create a new ‘Sense of Arrival’ and vibrancy which is important to establish for the overall proposal to be successful.

It has been raised that the accommodation building could be subdivided and strata titled; this is not being considered and request for any subdivision will not form part of the development application. The accommodation suites are being designed as short stay hotel accommodation (attached to & integral with the business operations of venues within the gaol) which is a Class 3 building (under the National Construction Code) and not as residential apartments which are Class 2 buildings. Any future plan to convert the building from Class 3 to Class 2 would be challenging for a range of reasons, and in any event would require a development application to be made to either the NSW state government or the local Council.

Firstly, there are no works being proposed within the river corridor. Environmental studies have been undertaken to fully understand the existing ecological communities (plant and animal species) and their habitats that exist around the site, with a particular focus on the river corridor which lies behind the site. In addition to assessing terrestrial and aquatic habitats we have also studied the river corridor (geomorphology), ground and surface water, soil conditions, trees, bushfire, flooding and noise/acoustics.

Working with our environmental consultants planning for the site will be informed by the results of the environmental assessments. Any proposed works on the site will ensure the protection of the environment both during construction and operational stages and environmental studies will be submitted with the development application along with measures required to be taken to ensure the protection of adjoining environments.
As part of the detailed design stage (prior to construction) a comprehensive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be developed to ensure all the environmental risks that exist are identified and all required environmental controls to mitigate and manage those risks are documented. Such controls will include

• physical measures to be installed/constructed (e.g. barriers, water treatment devices);
• site management procedures to follow (e.g. staging of works, inspection for evidence of any burrows near any site boundary close to the river corridor, procedures to follow during high storm events, regular environmental inspections); and
• Nominating persons who shall be responsible for the implementation of the CEMP

The CEMP will be prepared by an appropriately qualified and experienced environmental consultant. The CEMP will be a living document which shall be required to be updated from time to time as works on site progress and to reflect current site conditions. Given the location of the site the CEMP will be specifically tailored to emphasise the preservation and protection of local ecosystems, wildlife, and the surrounding environment with a particular focus on the river corridor.

Some commentary & findings of environmental assessments completed to date are given below.

Ecology (Aquatic)

The aquatic ecology assessment provides a high level overview of environmental risks pertaining to the proposed development and the river corridor. This assessment will help inform the future CEMP. On the particular matter of platypus burrows the assessment states:

“The proposed development footprint remains above the sandstone terminal step on the eastern bank of Wingecarribee (river). The footprint would be very unlikely to interfere with aquatic fauna burrows as they are very unlikely to extend past the sandstone terminal step.

Prior to any works within 30 m of the watermark and below the sandstone terminal step, a suitably qualified ecologist should inspect the banks for burrow locations.

Avoid conducting works below the sandstone terminal step during critical Platypus breeding periods and juvenile emergence (i.e. July to February), where practicable.

Should a burrow be located while completing works, progress should be stopped to allow a suitably qualified ecologist to inspect the burrow and relocated any observed Platypus.”

We note that there are no works proposed below the ‘sandstone terminal step’ as this area is outside the property boundary.

Ecology (terrestrial)

Findings of the ecological assessment include:

• No Koalas or evidence of Koalas was observed during the field survey
• A Koala Assessment report is not required (native vegetation within the river corridor where Snow Gums are present will not be disturbed)
• Microbats were not observed within the confines of the gaol during field investigations (thermal cameras and ultrasonic bat call audio recording)
• No evidence of Grey-headed flying-foxes was observed
• The proposed development will not have a significant impact on biodiversity values

Flooding

Flood modelling of the site has been undertaken by our hydrological engineer. Council’s adopted regional flood model along with site survey information was used in preparing a site specific flood model. Accounting for potential effects of climate change the site specific flood model determines flood levels across the site up the 1:100 year and PMF flood events. The flood model is used in the geomorphic study of the river and to ensure floor levels of occupiable rooms are above the required flood event.

River Corridor Riparian Zone (Geomorphology)

Two independent firms with expertise in geomorphology are finalising a site specific study of the river corridor. The study looks at flood levels (based on site specific flood modelling), geological structure & formation of the river, vegetation, ground levels, geomorphic forms, functions which the subject area serves, other factors which are influencing upon the functioning of the river and also relevant historical and recent academic research conducted in the field of fluvial geomorphology. Adopting methodologies along with current knowledge and understandings that are widely accepted in the field the study has identified that the riparian corridor does not extend into the site where the accommodation is proposed. A joint report is being finalised and will be submitted with the application and the community will have an opportunity to review the findings during the public exhibition period.

A traffic and transport assessment is currently being undertaken to understand the existing traffic and parking conditions around the site, particularly for the adjoining businesses. Parking will be provided within the site on the northern side of Wingecarribee Street.

Working with existing site levels the proposal seeks to create a tiered carparking structure on the southern side of the site, with two levels of basement carparking below a ‘ground level’ carparking deck. There will be no ‘above ground’ carparking structure. The proposal includes a driveway ramp down to the lower basement carpark levels at the bottom end of Wingecarribee St and the upper carpark deck (at ‘ground level’) will be accessed from a driveway at the top of Wingecarribee Street.

The concept design proposal for the carpark is being refined to ensure the appropriate number of car spaces is provided to adequately service the precinct. Final numbers for carparking will be clearly shown on the design plans lodged with the final application. A traffic and parking analysis will be submitted with the application providing the analysis which substantiates parking requirements for the site.

The main open air carpark deck level will be open to the general public. Lower basement levels will predominantly be restricted to overnight guests and visitors using the venues along with staff and contractors working at the site

The Western side of the site does not provide enough space for the required carparking and entering the precinct from the back of the gaol is not ideal (i.e. walking distance). Additionally there are many residents along Wilshire street that would be subjected to increased traffic load compared to Wingecarribee Street.

A noise impact assessment is being finalised. The draft report makes recommendations as to noise abatement requirements for construction materials (e.g. insulation, glazing) and ongoing operational management (e.g. noise restrictions to any balconies on the external accommodation suites). Based on the modelling undertaken the proposed new use of the site complies with noise standards and regulations.

The proposal requires re-working of Wingecarribee Street to ensure a properly engineered road pavement which is capable of accepting vehicular traffic. We are working with the local Council on this to ensure any proposed design is acceptable. The works would involve constructing a new road pavement structure from the eastern end (at the Surveyor General Inn) down to the lower entrance driveway into the basement carpark, with a turning circle at the western end proposed to be constructed from crushed decomposed granite. The road is to have a 6.m wide carriageway with no kerb & gutter. A vegetated stormwater drainage swale to the northern side of the road will convey stormwater runoff. We will work with Wingecarribee Shire Council to ensure the road maintains a traditional village character.

The ongoing operation of the site will require a broad range of direct services to be provided by local businesses such as:

• Retail Products and Produce (supplied by local agricultural businesses, providors, viticulture (wineries), breweries, butchers, bakers, fruit and vegetable retailers and the like)
• Trade contractors (required for general repairs and maintenance of the site, cleaning contractors, expert trades for heritage conservation works, landscape maintenance contractors and the like)
• Suppliers (nurseries and landscaping, equipment for grounds maintenance, transport companies, local labour hire companies, art and creative works, specific supplies for events to be held in the function centre)

In addition to the direct draw of local services that will be required the proposal will indirectly support local and regional businesses through and such as:

• Event organisers (by providing accommodation & function space)
• Schools and community groups (by providing large function/events space)
• Accommodation permitting tourists and local visitors to stay in Berrima and explore the region
• Increased tourism by actively promoting the precinct as a major tourist destination

The proposal will also make a significant contribution to the local economy throughout the construction stage and via increased employment opportunities required to meet the ongoing operational needs.

Tourism is a key industry in the region, both in terms of value-add and employment. According to the Southern Highlands Destination Strategy 2020-2030 Background Report (Nov 2020) visitation in the region had risen by more than 50% since 2014. According to the report the region is dominated by domestic visitors, with day-trip visitors accounting for 70% of total visitation in 2019 and domestic overnight visitors accounting for 30% of total visitation.

The lack of locally based economic drivers such as retail businesses and tourism could present potential future issues for the region’s economy, leaving it susceptible to future shocks. Tourism is a key opportunity for the Southern Highlands and the proposal seeks to respond to this opportunity.

There is a strong connection between tourism and economic development. Tourism contributes to vibrancy and growth in a local economy. In the Southern Highlands region domestic tourism visitation is strong. The proposal will attract and support visitors to Berrima and the region by providing much needed high quality accommodation, the opportunity to experience fine dining in a unique setting, providing a large function centre for events such as conferences & weddings and through the promotion of the historic gaol as a ‘must see’ tourist destination.

In addition to providing support for local domestic tourism there will be an opportunity to tap into the international visitor market with the soon to be completed Western Sydney International Airport. The new airport is only a little over an hour by road from Berrima so there is a great potential opportunity to market the proposed historic gaol as a destination to key international tourism markets.

In addition to design plans (site plans, architectural designs, landscape designs) we will be lodging the following reports in support of the proposal (some reports are additional to those required by the SEARs conditions):

• Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
• Architectural Design Report
• Community Engagement Report
• Conservation Management Plan (CMP)

And other reports (in alphabetical order):

• Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assess. (ACHA)
• Acoustic Assessment
• Arboricultural Impact Assessment
• Archaeological Assessment
• Building Code Compliance (BCA/NCC & Accessibility)
• Bushfire Assessment
• Connecting with Country
• Construction Traffic Management Plan
• Contamination (Remediation Action Plan)
• CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design)
• Ecological – Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (or BDAR waiver)
• Flood Modelling
• Green Travel Plan
• Ground & Surface Water Impact Assessment
• Hazardous Materials Survey
• Preliminary Risk Screening (Preliminary Hazards Analysis)
• River Study (Geomorphology)
• Services Infrastructure Report
• Sewer & Water Modelling
• Social Impact Assessment
• Statement of Heritage Impact
• Sustainability (ESD Report)
• Traffic, Transport & Accessibility
• Visual Impact Assessment
• Waste Management Plan
• Water Management Plan (stormwater management)
• Wind Impact Assessment