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.