15 March 2024
The NSW Government is inviting businesses, community organisations and interested individuals to put forward submissions to acquire the historical portion of the old Grafton Correctional Centre.
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) has partnered with Colliers to commence an Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign for the south-eastern corner of the site at Hoof Street, with tenders called for the adaptive reuse of the site’s heritage buildings to support local economic growth.
The parts of the site subject to the EOI include buildings that formerly held a central courtyard, three cell blocks, a guard station, amenities block, reception area and Governor’s office.
Submissions will be assessed under criteria including potential economic and community benefits and their alignment with State and Local Planning Strategies.
The EOI campaign follows the subdivision of the former gaol, which operated from 1890 until it closed in 2020 following the opening of the new Clarence Correctional Centre at nearby Lavadia.
The subdivision has enabled the transfer of the former market garden and industrial part of the site to the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council (GNLALC), who will use it to achieve positive social and economic outcomes for the local Aboriginal community.
The EOI campaign will close on 24 April 2024. For more information on the old Grafton Gaol site, visit Former Grafton Correctional Centre.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to create a positive new future for this historic landmark, and I invite all interested parties to put forward their bids to reimagine this place for new productive uses that can bring jobs and economic growth for Grafton and the region.
“Heritage and community outcomes are at the heart of this EOI process. This was the same principle of our agreement with Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council to bring new economic opportunities for the Aboriginal community and this region, and this EOI will further deliver new life for this iconic place.”
Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The community in Grafton is rightly proud it’s long history in our state’s corrective services system.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to reimagine the gaol for the future.”