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.