Bringing the outside in:
Reinventing a historic precinct
The Berrima Gaol revitalisation project, spearheaded by the Blue Sox Group a local boutique family-owned property development firm with a strong held passion for the Southern Highlands – has a vision to breathe new life into the historic former Berrima gaol site. Plans for re-imagining future uses of the site will create new economic and social opportunities for the region whilst embracing and celebrating the history and core heritage values of the place. We are ever mindful of the importance and significance of the site to the people of Berrima and the Southern Highlands and our efforts towards transitioning the site to its next phase of life will be a collaborative journey we wish to share with the community.
Led by award winning architectural design firm Turner the project is being delivered by design & consulting practices with specialty expertise in key areas of heritage conservation, first nations collaboration, landscape architecture, ecology, engineering and town planning. Our vision for the site is an adaptive reuse strategy to incorporate a hub of venues and offerings designed to bring together the community and attract visitors to the region through intimate dining experiences, a wellness retreat, function rooms, gallery & retail, public bar and bespoke high-quality accommodation for those wanting to stay overnight and use the township of Berrima as a base for touring the region. Due to a state heritage listing on part of the site and proposed future use of the site the project is required to be lodged with the NSW state government for approval under the State Significant Development approval pathway.
The Planning Process
An integral part of the State Significant Development (SSD) application process is community and stakeholder engagement. In addition to the formal public exhibition period which occurs after a development application is lodged, community and stakeholder engagement occurs throughout the design & planning process. The diagram below sets out the overall process towards lodging and approval of an SSD application including the major activities, events and milestones.
-
Project Architect /
Lead Designer AppointedAward winning architectural firm Turner Studio awarded the contract to lead the design process.
-
Initial Consultation with WSC
Initial consultations with Wingecarribee Shire Council (WSC) following acquisition of the site.
-
Request for SEAR’s
Application to the NSW state government requesting the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). The SEARs sets out all the requirements to be met for lodging a State Significant Development application to the NSW government
-
Community &
Stakeholder EngagementSeek initial comments & feedback from the community & stakeholders on redevelopment of the gaol at WSC 2024 Australia Day community event (Berrima, NSW). Visitors to the Berrima Gaol information stall invited to subscribe through the project web site in order to receive updates on the project.
-
Assemble Design Team &
Site InvestigationsCommence community and stakeholder engagement process to assemble a team of professional consultants to work on the project. Commence site investigations for built form heritage, ecology (flora & fauna), bushfire, arboriculture, survey, flood & ground water studies, cultural heritage, archaeology and other areas requiring investigation.
-
Community &
Stakeholder EngagementCommence community and stakeholder engagement activities including engaging with the Local Aboriginal Land Council, traditional custodians, residents, businesses and stakeholders. Present a concept plan of how we see the gaol and surrounding grounds could be transformed for a future purpose.
-
NSW State Design
Review Panel (SDRP)Formal meeting to discuss the project with the NSW State Design Review Panel (The SDRP process was formed in 2018 with the objective of providing independent, consistent design quality advice on projects of state significance. The panel is made up of government and industry professionals who are appointed by the NSW state government).
Current Stage -
Refine Concept Plans
Taking on board community & stakeholder feedback, results of site investigations and feedback/advice from SDRP the concept designs ae further developed and refined.
-
Scoping Meeting with
NSW State GovernmentHold an on-site scoping meeting with representatives from the NSW state government (including departments such as Environment & Heritage), local Council and the office of the Government Architect NSW.
-
Community &
Stakeholder ConsultationEngage with community and stakeholders on current proposals and results of site studies. Continue to update the community & stakeholders on the project through project web site, newsletters and events.
-
Finalise Proposal
Making all final considerations of feedback received from the community & stakeholders, SDRP, local Council, traditional custodians & representatives, & site specific studies and assessments all required designs and reports shall be finalised and compiled ready for submission to the state government.
-
Lodge SSD Application
Make formal application to the state government lodging all project design documentation, site assessments and technical reports developed as part of the proposal.
-
Public Exhibition
SSD application is publicly exhibited for a minimum period of 28 days. Surrounding residents are notified by the department in writing. The application is also made available through the NSW government ‘Major Projects’ web site. You can have your say on the proposed development by making a submissions during the public exhibition period.
-
Assessment & Recommendation
The department assesses the application and makes a recommendation (set out in an environmental assessment report). The recommendation (including either conditions of consent or reasons for refusal) is referred to the minister (or delegate) for a final determination.
-
Final Determination
The minister makes a final determination to approve or refuse the application.
-
Community & Stakeholder
Engagement & Phase 2The community & stakeholders are informed of the results of the ministers determination. If consent is granted for the proposed development to proceed then the community & stakeholders will be informed of the next steps in the process (detailed design phase) to achieving a construction approval.
Development Timeline
The following is an indicative estimate of the timeframe for the planning approval process through to construction & operation. This timeframe is dependent on a number of variables and unknown factors such as state government approvals.
-
2021
Sale Announced
-
2022
Successful Bid Announced
-
2023
Sale Completed
-
2024
Design, planning, community
& stakeholder engagement -
2025
Lodge SSD application
-
2025
Planning Approval
-
2026
Detailed design
-
2026
Construction Approval
-
2027
Construction
-
2028/2029
Operational
COMMUNITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Engaging with the community & key stakeholders throughout the planning process will be key to making the project a success. We recognise the importance & significance of the site to the people of Berrima & the wider community and from talking with local residents, community groups and stakeholders the level of interest in the site is clear. We will engage with the community and key stakeholders to hear your thoughts and feedback to ensure together we shape the best future for the site.
Information about progress of the project will be published as planning progresses and we encourage anyone interested in the project to join our mailing list to stay updated with community newsletters and email correspondence. You can also leave feedback using this web site or send us an email. We will also publish information on this web site as a one stop shop for anything to do with the project.
The gaol open day held on Australia Day 2024 was a great success and we received a lot of positive feedback and support for our ideas so far on re-purposing the site. Further community and stakeholder consultation and engagement is planned and will occur as planning for the project progresses.
Information Stand Australia Day 2024
Opening Gaol to the Public on Australia Day 2024
Wingecarribee River
Environment
The town of Berrima was founded on the banks of the Wingecarribee River (due in part to the reliability of the supply of water from the river). The gaol was also founded on the river which meanders behind the gaol to the west of the site. The Berrima gaol revitalisation project will not propose any works within the river corridor however due to the proximity of the site to the river we are undertaking studies to assess flora, fauna and aquatic life that inhabit the area. Ensuring there are no adverse short term or long term impacts of the project on the river corridor and the local ecosystem is of paramount importance, once we have a thorough understanding of the ecology and biodiversity of the river we can assess any potential impacts of the project and ensure any risks are properly mitigated.
HERITAGE CONSERVATION
The former Berrima Correctional Centre (also former Berrima Gaol) was the first gaol to be constructed outside of Sydney and Parramatta. Since its opening in 1839 the gaol has experienced close to two centuries of non-continuous use as a place of incarceration. The site contains evidence of multiple time periods, changing operational principles of imprisonment, architectural styles and building uses. The site also holds significance for the Southern Highlands community as one of the central landmarks in the township of Berrima. Following the formal cease of operational function as a correctional facility in 2020, the former Berrima Correctional Centre was divested by the NSW State Government.
A comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the site of the former Berrima Gaol has been prepared by Urbis to recognise the heritage significance of the place and provide practical, robust and sensitive guidance on its future management in order to conserve this significance. The Conservation Management Plan provides a detailed analysis of the entirety of the place, its cultural heritage significance and its context, alongside best practice policies for conservation and maintenance, future use, and managing change.
The use of the site as a place of imprisonment has now ended and a new life for the site must now begin. The ongoing use of the site is important to the longevity of the buildings & structures with heritage significance, the site as a whole, and most importantly, its retention as an important element of Berrima and the Southern Highlands. Ongoing sustainable use will encourage and facilitate the conservation and maintenance of the site thereby ensuring its future for generations to come. Therefore, future uses that allow public access and appreciation of the site are being explored in line with the conservation policies set out in the Conservation Management Plan.
Adaptive reuse of a heritage site Tramsheds Harold Park, NSW (completed 2016)
