Parramatta Correctional Centre

Item details


Name of item:	Parramatta Correctional Centre
Other name/s:	Parramatta Correctional Centre; Parramatta Gaol; Parramatta Jail; Parramatta North Historic Sites
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Gaol/Lock-up
Location:	Lat: -33.7981108269 Long: 150.9994660870
Primary address:	73 O'Connell Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Local govt. area:	City of Parramatta
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin
Hectares (approx):	8.743

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1	DP	1226110
LOT	2	DP	1226110
LOT	3	DP	1226110
LOT	1	DP	58773
LOT	1	DP	618753
LOT	64	DP	920336

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
73 O'Connell Street	Parramatta	City of Parramatta			Primary Address
Dunlop Street	Parramatta	City of Parramatta			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Corrective Services - Department of Communities and Justice	State Government	28 Jul 97

Statement of significance:


	Up until its closure in 2011, the Parramatta Correctional Centre was the oldest gaol in original use in Australia. It is the most intact of the pre-1850's gaols of Australia. The constructional character and quality of the early buildings, in particular the stone slab floors, ashlar walls and timber roof trusses, are exceptional. It is significant in its physical and spatial quality as an enclosed complex. The fabric reflects the shifts in penal philosophy and changes in use from the 1830's to the construction of Long Bay in the early twentieth century (Kerr 1995: 46).
	Date significance updated: 28 Jul 97
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	George Barney and Mortimer Lewis
Builder/Maker:	Houison and Payten
Construction years:	1835-1842
Physical description:	Parramatta Gaol is a tooled sandstone structure of several wings, enclosed by high sandstone walls topped with observation towers. Designed in Old Grecian style, it consists of six cell blocks, two storeys in height. To the rear are three radiating semi-circular or rectangular two storey prison blocks. A number of cells have been enlarged to house two prisoners. Uniformity of materials used during times of addition contribute to the cohesion of this group of sandstone buildings. Talls are generally hand dressed, with slate clad timber roof structure.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good.
	Date condition updated:28 Jul 97
Modifications and dates:	1865 - Perimeter wall extended. Cookhouse and additional cells added to existing wings. Underground water tanks installed. 1883 - 1889 - The perimeter is further extended and three new wings are built in the resulting area. 1899 - 32 unit radial exercise area built. Cells are converted from associated to single. 1906 - 1908 - Chapel built and sewerage upgraded. 1927 - Internal refit. Single cells are converted back to associated cells. 1970's - Parramatta Linen Service, an auditorium and gatehouse extensions are built. 1985 - 32 unit radial exercise area demolished. 1993 - A new entrance and areas for administration and reception are built. 1997 - being disestablished. 2011 - The jail was closed at the end of 2011. It has been the site of several film crew projects since that date. The jail is expected to be transferred to NSW State Property Authority by the middle of 2012 (Kembrey/Parramatta Sun, 8/3/12).


Current use:	Correctional Centre
Former use:	Gaol

History

Historical notes:

The current Parramatta Correctional Centre was the third gaol to be built in Parramatta and was completed in 1842. The original design was submitted by Mortimer Lewis for Governor Bourke in 1835, however the buildings were commenced to a design by Captain George Barney, the Commanding Royal Engineer. When the first building was completed in 1842 by (James) Houison and Payten, Thomas Duke Allen was installed as the gaoler, with his wife Martha acting as matron for the female prisoners. (Kerr 1995: 1-45)

Between 1842 and 1861, a number of improvements were made to conditions within the prison, but major extensions were not undertaken until 1862. As a result of the population boom caused by the gold rushes, both Victoria and New South Wales were forced to expand their penal facilities between 1858 and 1865. During this time, the perimeter wall of the original gaol was extended to enclose a portion of land equal in size to the existing allotment. In August 1863 as the wall was nearing completion, William Coles, the first clerk of works for the Colonial Architect, initiated a substantial works programme in both the original and new areas of the gaol. This included demolition of the portion of wall separating the new and old sections of the gaol and the construction of various workshops, a cookhouse and extra cells in existing wings, as well as the installation of new utilities including underground water tanks.

Three further extensions of the gaol perimeter wall were carried out during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Within the new enclosure, three cell wings were slowly built between 1883 and 1889, largely with prison labour. Owing to overcrowding of the observation ward at Darlinghurst Gaol part of one of these wings was set aside for prisoners who had been deemed insane. In 1899, a 32 unit radial exercise yard was constructed in the space formed on three sides by the recently constructed wings. At this time the cells were also converted from associated cells to single cells, under the influence of comptroller general, William Frederick Neitenstein. (Kerr 1995: 1-45)

The period from the end of the nineteenth century to WWI was devoted to the improvement of auxiliary facilities - industrial, spiritual and hygenic. In 1906 - 1908, a chapel was constructed within the prison walls while sewerage and ablutions blocks were upgraded.

Due to declining entries into the penal system, the gaol was disestablished on 15 September, 1918 and the property given over to the inspector of mental hospitals. At this time the western sandstone perimeter walls were demolished and much of the equipment and internal fittings removed. By 1927 however, with an increase in demand on the system, the gaol has been rehabilitated and was re-established in 1927. Notably, this rehabilitation involved the conversion of the single cells back to associated cells. Parramatta became a centre for re-training and re-habilitation. (Kerr 1995: 1-45)

The 1940's began a period of official mistreatment of nineteenth century institutional establishments and a number of unsympathetic buildings were approved for construction. In the 1970's, the Parramatta Linen Service, a large auditorium and an extension to the gatehouse were built. This period also saw the opening of periodic detention centres for males and females.

A new development scheme completed in 1993 included a pedestrian and large vehicle entry off Dunlop Street and new adjacent buildings for reception, administration and visiting facilities. These new designs attempted to match the form and scale of the original precinct, with hipped roofs and bricks which complemented the sandstone. (Kerr 1995: 1-45)

Parramatta Correctional Centre is currently (July 1997) being disestablished.

The jail was closed at the end of 2011. It has been the site of several film crew projects since that date. These included TV series 'Home & Away', 'Underbelly' and a film project 'The Convict' by George Basha of Guildford, maker of the 2009 film, 'The Combination'. The jail is expected to be transferred to NSW State Property Authority by the middle of 2012 (Kembrey/Parramatta Sun, 8/3/12).

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council lodged a land claim on the former jail site (as decommissioned Crown Land) on 24 February 2012. THe Crown Lands Division of NSW Trade & Investment is preparing a submission on the claim to Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner to consider (Bartok, 16/1/13).

The jail reopened to the public for the first time in five years on 15 October 2016, as centre court for 400 basketball players and fans. The Red Bull Reign state heat resulted in a Parramatta team winning and proceeding to the next weekend's final game in Melbourne (Parramatta Sun, 20/10/2016, 1).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Convict barracks-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Gaol Town: How does the eighteenth-century gaol town of Parramatta compare with Sydney and the later, free town?-Convicts Convict; Control
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working on government farms and stockyards-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Experiencing secondary punishment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Administering the convict system-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Housing convicts in communal or shared accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Unseen but Present-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Different Places: What different places exist within Parramatta? Are they visible archaeologically? Can discreet cultura-Monuments and Sites
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of industrial production-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Can archaeological evidence of convict barracks at Parramatta be used in conjunction with evidence of barracks in Windso-Housing Convict; Control
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating convicts-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Can archaeological analysis of existing or subsurface building remains assist in dating Parramatta's built heritage more-Land Tenure
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Stone Wall-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th century suburban developments-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Order and Amenity: How does the layout of Parramatta reflect existing values relating to order and amenity?-Townships Control
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planned towns serving a specific industry-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Institutions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working at enforced labour-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the Justice System-Includes work practices and organised labour.
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Providing foreign government embassies-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	19th century government - a regional centre-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - jailing prisoners-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering the justice system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - managing the convict system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Public works-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Prison colony-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Administration of justice-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Corrective services-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Jail-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Incarcerating prisoners-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Policing and enforcing the law-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing structures to emphasise their important roles-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	work of stonemasons-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James Houison, colonial architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor Mjr.-Gen. (later Gen., Sir) Richard Bourke KCB, 1831-7-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Mortimer Lewis, Colonial Architect, 1796-1879-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Up until its closure in 2011, the Parramatta Correctional Centre was the oldest gaol in original use in Australia. It is the most intact of the pre-1850's gaols of Australia. (Kerr 1995: 46) It has strong, documented, century and a half associations with people who have shaped its fabric and regimes and with those who have been shaped by it. (Kerr 1995: 46) The complex is also of value to Parramatta as an element in a group of early institutions linked by a parkland setting along the left bank of the Parramatta River, including the Cumberland Hospital (former Female Factory 1822) and the Norma Parker Centre. (former Roman Catholic Orphan School of 1841-43) (Kerr 1995: 46)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The constructional character and quality of the early buildings, in particular the stone slab floors, ashlar walls and timber roof trusses, are exceptional. (Kerr 1995: 46) It is significant in its physical and spatial quality as an enclosed complex: in particular the character established by its coherent architectural form and predominent sandstone and slate materials. (Kerr 1995: 46)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The fabric reflects the shifts in penal philosophy and changes in use from the 1830's to the constrcution of Long Bay in the early twentieth century. (Kerr 1995: 46) The fabric is an educational and archaeological resource, as a continuing document of Australian social history and a potential source of information about the cultural past of the colony since 1788. (Kerr 1995: 46)
Integrity/Intactness:	Much of the original precinct remains intact although many of the internal fittings have been removed.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Consolidated Conservation Management Plan Parramatta North Historic Sites - Cumberland District Hospital Group/ Norma Parker Correctional Centre/ Parramatta Correctional Centre
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP - Parramatta North Historic Sites - Consolidated Conservation Management Plan - Updated Part A
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP for North Parramatta Government Sites adopted with revisions.	The Heritage Council's State Heritage Register Committee endorsed the CMP subject to certain revisions to the satisfaction of the Director, Heritage Office, for a period of 5 years (expires 18/5/2005).	May 18 2000
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00812	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register			09 Feb 95
Local Environmental Plan	Parramatta Correctional Centre	I00812 I00812 I00812 I00812 I		20
Register of the National Estate			14 May 91

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
City of Parramatta Heritage Study	1993	414	Meredith Walker		No
Department of Corrective Services: Interim Heritage and Conservation Register	1995	005	State Projects Heritage Group		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Bartok, Di	2013	'Land Claim on jail complication for government'
Written	Geoffrey Britton & Colleen Morris	1999	North Parramatta Government Sites Landscape Conservation Plan
Written	Heritage Group, Design Services, Department of Public Works & Services	2000	North Parramatta Government Sites Conservation Management Plan
Written	James Semple Kerr	1995	Parramatta Correctional Centre: Its Past Development and Future Care

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5000657
File number:	S90/06416; H00/00112

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