Grafton Correctional Centre (former)(under consideration: amendment)

Item details


Name of item:	Grafton Correctional Centre (former)(under consideration: amendment)
Other name/s:	Grafton Gaol; Grafton Regional Gail; Grafton Jail; Grafton Periodic Detention Centre
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Gaol/Lock-up
Location:	Lat: -29.6766467673 Long: 152.9401957150
Primary address:	170 Hoof Street, Grafton, NSW 2460
Local govt. area:	Clarence Valley
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Grafton-Ngerrie
Hectares (approx):	4.529

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1	118	DP	758470
LOT	2	118	DP	758470
LOT	3	118	DP	758470
LOT	4	118	DP	758470
LOT	5	118	DP	758470
LOT	6	118	DP	758470

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
170 Hoof Street	Grafton	Clarence Valley			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Corrective Services - Department of Communities and Justice	State Government	22 Oct 98

Statement of significance:


	Grafton Correctional Centre may have State significance for its historic, associative, aesthetic, research potential values, rarity and representativeness as an intact example of a late 19th century gaol complex in New South Wales. It may have State historic significance for demonstrating the development of the philosophy of prison architecture in New South Wales and the history of incarceration of prisoners in the late nineteenth century, characteristics and operations of late 19th century gaols. It was used continuously from 1893 until its closure in 2020. Grafton Correctional Centre may have State significant historic associations with Henry Austin Wilshire (1860-1923), architect of the original complex as the result of a public competition held in 1891. It is also associated with several notorious criminals incarcerated here, including robber Raymond John Denning and rapist and murderer, Leonard Lawson. It may have State aesthetic significance as an intact example of a late 19th century prison complex using a Federation Romanesque architectural style, materials and site configuration which are typical of its period. Its design uses characteristic materials of the Federation period such as brick, sandstone and cast iron. Aesthetically significant structures include the gaol wall, gatehouse, administration building (originally the gaoler's quarters) and 1893 cell block (One-Wing). Grafton Correctional Centre may have State research potential value as a site likely to contain archaeological remains relating to the gaol system and topics of incarceration and the prison system, including of female inmates. These are likely to be directly associated with the lives of inmates and staff who occupied the site between 1893 and 2020. Grafton Correctional Complex may have State rarity value as one of few gaol complexes designed by competition in the late 19th century and by private architects in Australia, and one of few known examples of the work of Henry Wiltshire. It continues the features of gaol design developed by the Colonial (later Government) Architect's branch. Its original buildings including gatehouse, administration building, visits building and One-Wing remain and retain a high degree of integrity in original fabric and configuration. The original section of Grafton Correctional Complex may be State significant as a representative example of a late 19th century prison complex, that demonstrates some of the principal characteristics of its type in terms of architecture, materiality and layout.
	Date significance updated: 08 Nov 00
	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:	Henry Wiltshire, Government Architects Branch
Builder/Maker:	Holloway Bros
Construction years:	1891-1893
Physical description:	Grafton Correctional Centre (former) site is on a slight rise overlooking Grafton. The site occupies a block in the town's grid, six blocks north of the town centre. It is bounded by Hoof Street (southwest), Mary Street (northwest), Arthur Street (northeast) and Queen Street (southeast) and is is entered off Hoof Street. (NBRS Architecture (NBRS Arch. 2021: 151, 152). The site comprises numerous buildings and structures generally in the eastern portion of the site, and lawn and vegetable garden areas (the former prison farm and vegetable growing areas), generally in the west. The latter is its lowest portion, with land sloping upwards via a steep hill parallel to what was formerly a section of Alumy Creek. The gaol's oldest section, in the southern corner, is at the top of the hill, with the 1980s portion, also on high ground, to its north, in both the site's north and east. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 152). The gaol complex originally consisted of a square compound with high brick walls, with one elaborate gatehouse providing access for staff, visitors and prisoners alike. The gatehouse features a machicolated parapet, a sandstone archway and elaborate panelled doors. A Range building was constructed within the compound, adjacent to the gatehouse to provide facilities for the prison officers and visitors. A sterile zone separated the cell ranges from the prison walls. Male and female prisoners were completely segregated with separate cell ranges, exercise yards, bath houses and hospital facilities. The (former) male cell range is largely intact. Workshop and kitchen facilities were incorporated in a new range adjacent to the male cell block. The Prison Governor's residence (later Administration block) was located outside the gaol compound wall, adjacent to the main gatehouse (in the block's far southern corner). This building features polychromatic brickwork, tuck pointing and some sandstone detailing. The residence is of brick, with a sandstone trim and terracotta tiles, all characteristic materials of the Federation period, were used throughout the complex, the level of detail depending on the function of the building. The gaol complex was later extended to one side. New watch towers were built, however elements of the original towers remain intact. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 152). In more detail, the site can be generally divided into four sectors, including: 1) 1893 gaol complex: in the southern corner of the site, bounded by the early (and altered) gaol wall. This sector comprises the gatehouse and administration building (originally the gaoler's quarters) fronting Hoof Street, early and later gaol buildings, including cell blocks, within the gaol wall; 2) 1980s cell blocks and administration: the minimum security sector in the northeast portion of the site, built in the 1980s. This is bounded by the 1980s gaol wall along Queen and Arthur Streets, and fencing along its north-west side. It comprises visiting and recreation facilities, including a gymnasium, a courtyard and series of minimum security cell blocks; 3) 1980s industries and cell block: the western and northern portions of the site, comprising the industries sheds, a cell block in the northern corner, and the vegetable gardens formerly tended by inmates; and 4) 1980s staff building: this sector is separated from the remainder of the site by fences to the north-west and north-east, and original gaol wall to the south-east. It is accessed by a driveway from Hoof Street and comprises the staff building. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 155). 1) 1893 Gaol Complex: The 1893 gaol complex comprises both 1893 and later (1980s) structures, as outlined below: - Gatehouse and Gaol Wall (1893) The original gaol wall and gatehouse are in the site's southern corner, near both Hoof and Queen Streets. The wall and gatehouse were constructed in 1893 and remain today. The wall forms the boundary to the 1893 gaol complex, the maximum security gaol (1893), the earliest buildings on the site. The gaol wall is built in brick with large, recessed panels on all external sides, including the later section along the Queen Street elevation (added c.1985). Panels are capped with decorative brick dentils and the wall is capped in brick. It encloses a rectangular area of c66m x 70m and is broken only by the gatehouse and the administration building. The wall is constructed of 350mm solid brickwork, and stands c. 5.5m high with generally 450mm x 450mm piers at c. 6m centres. It is finished flush internally and divided into bays externally. There is a stone string course externally at about 1.5m above ground and stone quoins at corners below the level of the string course. The top of the bays has decorative brick dentils. The gatehouse is located centrally on the south-west portion of the wall and a landmark on Hoof Street marking the entrance to the gaol. It was designed by Henry Wilshire in the Federation Romanesque style and is a prominent, two-storey brick structure with rendered mouldings and details, capped by a brick parapet. Timber panelled doors are within the central archway, providing access to the sterile zone on the inside of the wall. Visitors to the gaol entered through the reception area to the south-east of the archway, adjacent to staff offices. Offices and staff rooms are also located on the first floor of the gatehouse, accessible via stairs to the west of the archway. Gate house Area A is a 1-2 storey building measuring approximately 24m x 6m with a flat roof behind a parapet. The main perimeter wall continues to form the front elevation of the gatehouse. The walls are brick with rendered mouldings around the windows, machiolated parapet, base course and main gate. The gates themselves are timber panelled doors, with both sunken and raised panels. A quadrant of lattice metal work forms the arch. The ground floors are concrete and the upper floor is timber. The main entrance, wide enough for a vehicle, passes through the gatehouse. On either side of the passageway are rooms for the prison guards. Access to the upper floor is via a timber staircase. The building is in structurally sound condition (Jan 1993) but was subject to damage from damp, both rising and falling. The design of the corbelled parapet is based on machiolations, small openings in castle walls to allow missiles to be thrown down on attackers. In this case there are no openings between each corbel. This motif is often found on nineteenth century gaol gatehouses in Australia. The initials of Queen Victoria are incised on the keystone, which is surmounted by the date, 1893, and a crown. (NBRS Arch.2021: 156-162) - Administration Building This building is located at the gaol complex's southern corner, near Hoof and Queen Streets. It is accessible from outside the gaol walls, its front portion connecting to a rear portion which forms part of the gaol wall, parallel to the visitors' block. It is a two-storey brick building consisting of a reception area, offices and computer server room on the ground floor, and offices and a kitchen on the first floor. A verandah, formed by brick arches, wraps around the south-east and south-west (front) facades, on both storeys.The roof of the front portion of the building is in terracotta tiles; the rear portion of the roof is corrugated iron. Externally it is in dichromatic unpainted face brick, with red brickwork around arches to the verandah. A rendered, painted banding wraps around at the level of first floor verandah, forming the sill to arched openings. Sills and lintels are also painted. Internally, some original features including skirtings, skirting blocks, architraves, panelled door leaves, window joinery, stairs and fireplaces have been retained. Floor finishes generally include later linoleum, tiles and carpet. Walls in the original (front) building are finished in plaster, with staff moulds to arched openings and chimney breasts, while the walls in the rear portion are in painted face brick. Timber joinery is generally painted. A two-storey Neo-Classical style brick building with contrasting red brick arches and a sandstone trim, with a terracotta-tiled roof. Both the use of terracotta tiles and the polychromatic brickwork were characteristic of the early 1890s. The design features a central gable with parapet and a triple window motif to each floor. An arcade occurs at both levels on either side of the central bay. The main entrance is to the side, an unusual feature for a Neo-Classical building. The rear yard, wash house and kitchen back onto the perimeter wall of the gaol. The building is generally in good condition (Jan 1993) however the sandstone trim has been painted and is subject to salt damp deterioration. The design follows the tradition of neo-classical residences begun by Mortimer Lewis, at Darlinghurst and Parramatta, over 50 years beforehand. The front garden was enclosed with an elaborate white picket fence which also formed the carriageway to the main gatehouse. (NBRS Arch. 2021 163-165). - Visiting / Offices / Visits Building: The Visits building is located to the west of the gatehouse, with the gaol wall forming its southern facade. It was originally a single-storey structure, with a second storey added between 1985-1992. It sits opposite the male cell block (One-Wing) across the sterile zone and, like the cell block, is in face brick externally with rendered window and door surrounds. There is evidence of numerous bricked-up openings on the ground floor, Internally, the building comprises a visiting room and several offices on the ground floor, and staff offices arranged along a hallway on the first floor. In recent years these offices were used by staff responsible for rostering. The fit outs in these rooms, which include partition walls and fixed benches and furniture, are not original. Carpet has been recently removed due to water damage. The building containing the visiting facilities is hidden behind the perimeter wall and is a two storey building of brick construction, concrete slab flooring. The main faade of the building faces the sterile zone. There was one window in the compound wall, lighting the passage to the visiting room. The visiting facilities originally featured a terracotta roof which has since been replaced with corrugated steel. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 166-168). - One Wing (A-Wing): One-Wing (or A-Wing) is the male maximum security cell block constructed in 1893 and located near the western corner of the original gaol complex and near the Visiting / Offices / Visits building. It is a two-storey rectangular building of brick and concrete (c28m x 14m) with concrete floors and a timber-framed, corrugated iron barrel vaulted ceiling internally beneath a hipped roof from which a gable projects at either end, It has retained much of its original fabric, configuration and architectural character internally and externally, with some minor alterations. It has two storeys of cells arranged around a central void. A staff / office area is at the southern end on the ground floor. Within the void, a set of cast iron stairs leads up to a gallery, in cast iron, from which first-floor cells are accessed. A hatch in the floor at the western end allowed execution of inmates by hanging from the beam above. An arched window is on the wall behind this, beneath the northern roof gable. At the opposite end of the gallery, a smaller arched window remains from what was originally the southern gable window, altered in the 1970s to allow building the observation gallery above the trial yard. The internal arrangement consists of two rows of cells at each level facing a central two storey void. Cells are accessed via metal doors opening into the central area. Each has a barred window, articulated externally by a simple architrave, rendered and painted. Cells are furnished with a metal bunk bed, bolted to the concrete floor, a metal bench, sink, toilet and a partial-height privacy screen. The building is structurally sound. High level windows were constructed to provide the necessary ventilation but to prevent escape. This form of slit window detail is common in mid to late nineteenth century cell ranges. The arrangement of cells around a central void was also a common feature of cell ranges of the period. It remains largely intact. It is of very high quality construction, evidenced in the internal door construction revealed when some doors were removed in 1991. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 168-173) - Two Wing (Reception, Clinic and Cell Block) A two-storey brick structure in an L-shape in the southeast portion of the 1893 gaol complex. The reception area is located to the south-east of the bay opposite the gatehouse, where inmates were brought into the facility by truck and were kept in gated cells prior to processing. It consists of a series of rooms accessible from an L-shaped hallway which provides access to the clinic and detox section of the building, in the south-east corner. Walls are generally in painted face brick and floors are finished in lino. Hallway walls are decorated with a series of murals depicting landscapes painted by an inmate.312 Rooms contain non-original kitchen, bathroom and office fit outs. The clinic consists of a series of detox cells in close proximity to offices and doctor's rooms. Detox cells are for a single inmate and are specially designed for at-risk inmates with built-in and fixed furniture and no hanging points. They contain a concrete slab for the bed base, a shower and a metal toilet. Brick and concrete block walls are painted, as are concrete floors. An open, gated area is to the north-east of the clinic, observable from a guard room and connected to several staff rooms. Above this space are first floor cells for maximum security inmates. Cells consist of a metal bed, bolted to the floor, a shower, toilet and metal basin. They are arranged around a central space supervised by the guard from the central observation office, with windows facing north and south towards both sections of the first floor. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 173-176) 2) 1980s Minimum Security Cell Blocks (NBRS 2021: 183+) The minimum-security section is located in the site's northeastern section, near Arthur and Queen Streets. It contains twelve two-storey cell blocks, arranged around the eastern and western side of the yard in a staggered configuration. Each block is accessible via a door which opens onto the yard. The ground floor of each block contains a central mess / kitchen area, a shared bathroom and four individual cells. Cells are also located on the first floor. Inmates typically worked in the Industries sector of the gaol during the day and were locked into their cell blocks by a guard at night, but given the key to their own cell within the block, so that they had free access to the kitchen and bathroom within the block. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 183-185). - 1980s Wall, Staff, Visits and Gymnasium (A & B Blocks) The gaol wall and building in this portion is in the northeastern section, near Arthur and Queen Streets. They were built in the 1980s as part of expansion of gaol facilities to include a minimum security section. This section comprises a staff building situated in its northern corner, around which cell blocks A - D to the east and west are located across an L - shaped yard. The staff building includes offices, a room for visits, and an indoor basketball court or gymnasium. Architectural features include the use of glass block on the front faade and brick detailing around openings externally. In plan, this building is defined by two main sections on either side of an external, covered walkway, over which a steel structure forms a pitched corrugated iron roof. A circular brick fountain forms the centrepiece of this outdoor area. The ground floor of the building comprises a visitors' section in the eastern corner, the gym in the western corner, and staff rooms, including offices, locker rooms and medical facilities, in the north and south corners. Offices are also located upstairs. The visits room is an open-plan space opening onto a courtyard, which is enclosed by a brick wall. Circular columns in this room are painted with art works and the walls are also decorated with three murals by Leonard Lawson. These include a sunset scene, a tiger and a boat scene. All murals are painted directly onto face brickwork. (NBRS Arch.2021: 180-183). 3) Industries Sector: - Stores and Industries The Stores and Industries section of the gaol is in the site's north, near Arthur Street. It comprises a collection of workshops and sheds in which inmates worked during the day. They are generally of steel framed construction beneath corrugated iron rooves. The north-east faade is in brick. A metal fence divides this section from the minimum security section to its east, and the staff section to the southwest. Inmates were let through a gate in the fence and assembled for roll call each day, and throughout the day, at the mustering points marked on the ground along the south-east side of the building. Offices are located in the western corner, accessible from the driveway. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 185-186). - (Stores and) Industries (former Workshop Building) This wing of the maximum security section is in the site's north, near Arthur Street. It is set perpendicular to One-Wing, the two blocks forming an L-shape in the centre-western corner of the site, enclosing the western portion of the yard. A single-storey brick building of approximately half the width of the current building was originally located here and comprised workshops facing the yard. The western wall of the building, facing the sterile zone, is original to these workshops, although it has been altered considerably by the blocking of openings and the creation of new doors and windows, as well as the introduction of concrete structure to support the first floor when it was constructed in the 1980s. The ground floor comprises staff offices arranged along a central hallway. The upstairs portion comprises a large space which was originally (1980s) used as an auditorium and later, for industries. It is accessible via stairs at the southern end and by a narrow hallway from the first floor of One-Wing. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 177-178) - Maximum Security Yards These yards, in the site's east, north of the Old Gaol and adjoining Arthur and Queen Streets, are divided by metal fencing to form segregated yards for different categories of inmates. The area includes an open shower block, used by inmates in One-Wing as the cells in that building do not have showers. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 178-180). - June Baker Centre (Former Periodic Detention Centre) The June Baker Centre is located to the north-west of the industries building, near Arthur Street on the high point of the ground before it slopes down westward towards Mary Street. It is a two-storey structure in brick and concrete construction. Internally, cells are arranged along a central corridor on both storeys, accessible via a larger entry space at the front of the building. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 186-187). - Prison Farm / Vegetable Gardens The prison farm forms a large portion of the site, located in its western corner fronting Mary and Hoof Streets. Metal fences divide it from the June Baker Centre to the north and the staff section to the south-east. The vegetable gardens are covered by netting supported on timber posts, and surrounded by a large expanse of lawn. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 187-188). A rainwater tank is towards the northern end of its area. Two sheds are towards the southern end, near Hoof Street. 4) Staff Sector: - Staff Building The staff section is the only section not fenced in by either brick or metal fences, and is accessible via a driveway from Hoof Street. A parking area is located between the building and the adjacent north-western side of the original gaol wall. The staff building is constructed in brick with corrugated iron roofs. A curved brick wall forms both part of the interior of the building and the exterior garden. It comprises a kitchen, gym and other staff facilities. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 188-189). .
Modifications and dates:	1893 - extra c.2 acres of land gazetted for use of the gaol 1897 - About 4 acres was cultivated with maize, oats, potatoes and vegetables. 1898 - replacing ceilings in the gaol. Additional 2 acres 1 rood 30 perches of land west of Alumy Creek (Lots 2, 3) was reserved for an addition to the gaol site. Platform (catwalk?) is extended so that two watchtowers are connected) 1899 - tenders for fencing the gaol (may have been the additional land acquired in 1898) 1902 windows inserted in two dark cells. c.52' of dwarf wall in both male and female yards reconstructed in stone. 1904 - three underground water tanks replastered. New partitions constructed in shelter shed in No. 2 yard for Second Stage A Division prisoner. 1908 - Five new baths in reconstructed bathroom, with galvanised screens and cement floor. Punishment cells finished with timber. late 1910 - new shed built on gaol land. 12/6/1912 - Grafton Gaol is declared a prison for Habitual Criminals. A separate entry and exit from the Senior Warders' quarters was formed. 6/1914 - Lot 3 on west side of Alumy Creek (1 acre, 2 roods, 22 perches) advertised to lease for up to 5 years - suggesting it was not used by the gaol as part of their garden and farm area at the time. 1924 - old tank and tower removed to enable guard better view of front gate and wing entrance. Gaol reclassified high security. 1924-26 - Electric lights installed. 1927 - underground water tanks in yard and garden interconnected. Pre-1932 - Laundry: simple square structure, with corrugated iron roof, to rear of exercise yard, built. A new larger building built, including hot water boiler, extra water tank, on northern exterior wall, in 1960 - in same location as original building. Demolished in stage 3 of phase 2 alterations (c1989)(NBRS Arch. 2021: 69, 145). 1941 - three subterranean tanks located in exercise yard between laundry building and eastern block (NBRS Arch.: 144). 1941-42 - Sewer connection, water supply plumbing work done (NBRS Arch. 2021: 70). 1942 - General Store and Residence (building built in 1898) 1942-46 it served Grafton Base Hospital across the street. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 145). 1942 - Government Architects Branch did structural alterations. 1943 - Circular central tower demolished, Trial Yard (the smaller of the three yards) walls were increased in height and it was turned into a segregation yard (of eight, smaller yards), radiating from the centre, as a new structure in the western corner of the Labour Yard: 'The Circle', dividing that yard into two. Added barbed wire, security and watch towers. 'Track Cells' / 'New Cells' added on ground floor, for intractable prisoners, each with separate, small yard. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 71, 73, 144, 145). 1945 - Gaol reverts to medium security classification. 1940s - unknown building made of brick with no roof built in front of the Dark Cells. Noted as a cell in plan drawings of 1979. Demolished to build a new auditorium (NBRS Arch. 2021: 144). 1954 - an entirely enclosed Observation Gallery added to the main cell block: the first armour-plated gallery of its type in Australia. Walls of inch thick steel and bullet-proof glass, supported on steel cantilevered beams attached to two southeastern-most cell walls. Used to observe intractable prisoners. Added to south-east corner of main prison, on first floor, connecting to existing tower shelter in trial yard by a new bridge. Demolished in stage 3 of phase 2 alterations in 1989. (NBRS Arch.: 78, 145). 1956 - Lot 4 section 118 proclaimed to form part of the gaol. It, and adjoining Lots 5 and 6 added to gaol holding. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 80). A first floor gallery was constructed on the eastern end of Cell Block A. By 1960 - A Wing (Male cell block) original tiled roof replaced with corrugated iron (NBRS Arch. 2021: 83). 1960 - Government Architects Branch prepared plans for new, enclosed laundry replacing the existing laundry shed. Included hot water boiler, additional water tank. Former Female Hospital wing (by then re-used as kitchen and bathrooms) was remodelled.(NBRS Arch. 2021: 80). 1960-77 - provision of larger shelter in No. 2 Yard, new fencing between No. 2 & No. 2 Yards. By 1977, a new entrance constructed on Hoof Street frontage, north of main entry gate, which was repainted with white detailing. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 98). 1967 - new fencing on Labour & Exercise Yards division wall, and new shelter in labour yard. Trial Yard - wire mesh cover added between 1960 and 1977. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 144). 1968 - Extension of sewerage to cells and sections not yet serviced. c.1970 - Stores building converted to Visiting Facilities inside southern wall of old gaol. 1977 - Old intractible prisoner workshop converted to cells. 1977 - plans for alterations to Southern range of offices and rooms behind Hoof Street frontage, including courtyard of former Governor's Residence (now a '2 storey administration' building).(NBRS Arch. 2021: 97). c.1978 - Deputy Superintendent's residence built, of brick veneer / tiled roof, with freestanding garage, in Lot 1 of Section 118, fronting Arthur Street. A garage was built on the gaol's eastern side, fronting Queen Street - presumably for use of Superintendent. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 145). 1979-81 - Workshops (north-western wing) extension of building, adding a second storey to form a (multi-use hall / ) auditorium with stage, toilets and offices on upper level, adding two new staircases and a book-binding workshop on ground floor. Built with bricks and the roof of corrugated iron, Dark Cells (two: 1893) demolished, replaced by stairs for new Main cell building. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 144). 1980 - Officers' Amenities Block - including showers, toilets, lockers, pool table, darts, carport for officers' cars. Demolished as part of phase 1 of staged works (c.1985)(NBRS Arch. 2021: 145). A Wing: alternations proposed for cells at end of ground floor - walls removed, doors bricked up, new office and toilet added. Upper floor of A Wing added, a new store was created, some doors and windows bricked up, new door openings made. Two new upper floor windows were added to the last cell, opening on northwest elevation of male cell block. The chainwire fence was removed. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 102). 1981 - A Wing ground floor alterations were made: accommodation for bookbinding workshop (NBRS Arch.: 102). Plans were prepared for Watch Towers' alterations: replacing balustrading around perimeter with glazing. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 113). 1982: plans prepared for Laundry alterations, adding extra showers, adding extra toilets in the Gaol Kitchen, new plant room in the former yard, store and toilet behind the former Governor's Residence (now Administrative building), and an additional tower in that corner of the gaol, in the future. New double doors on the southeastern elevation of the former residence, new stair and opening adjoining junction with south-east gaol wall. (NBRS Arch.: 113-114). The Laundry changes were largely carried out as planned (NBRS Arch. 2021: 115). 1983 photographs show works in yard section: demolition of existing fencing and shelter sheds in northern corner of the gaol, near the new Auditorium wing (which was in use, by then)(NBRS Arch. 2021: 115-116), 1985 - the Prison farm (1893+) was relocated to Lot 3. Associated with it were two timber farm sheds and fowl yard, to the north, the garage on the east side of gaol, facing Queen Street, was demolished. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 145). 1986 - Redevelopment stage 1 carried out. Buildings included Industries, Workshop and Food Service in north-west sector of site. New building comprised four blocks: Block A running parallel to Arthur Street, Blocks B - D running perpendicular from Block A towards the south-west: these being differently sized and responding to sloping terrain towards Alumy Creek. All new blocks involved mezzanine levels. An existing shed near the north tower was removed for these new blocks. Old A-Wing block remained in use as maximum security facility. Original Female Cell block (B-Wing) and hospital wards, segregation yards (original Trial Yard) in old gaol (NBRS Arch. 2021: 118-119). Stage 1 new buildings included Block A (Visiting Facilities), Block B (Clinic, Sport Facilities, Library), Blocks C and D (Accommodation blocks) in north-western sector and the staff amenities building to the northwest of the gaol outside the old gaol wall (Block E) - demolished to make way for a new cell block wing. (more detail is at NBRS Arch. 2021: 121) 1986-89/1992 - Stage 2 major redevelopment: extension on eastern and northern side, relocation of prison farm to near Alumy Creek. New minimum security regional prison (cell blocks and staff amenities building) were built outside the old gaol walls on the east, and a new large Industries and Stores complex was added to the north, near Arthur Street 1987-89 - Internal changes to Visiting Facilities in old gaol. c.1987-92 - Stage 3: alterations to Old Gaol. Male Cell Block and recently altered Workshop range (Auditorium/Industries building) to provide temporary male and female segregation cells, and a kitchen. The original 1893 Female Cell Block (B-Wing), Hospital Ward section and original Trial Yard were demolished (1987), replaced by Medium Security Unit, a large block. 1953 Observation Gallery, laundry, shower facilities demolished (NBRS Arch. 2021: 127, 128, 144, 145). More detail is at NBRS Arch. 2021: 134). Former Stores adjoining main entrance altered and extended for new visitors' facilities. Gatehouse alterations done to create new visitors' processing area and offices. South-east gaol wall and east watch tower demolished to allow for a site extension, and new watch towers built in south and north corners of old gaol (NBRS Arch.: 127). Plans prepared (1987) for alterations to original stores adjoining west of main entrance, involving removing some original wall sections, inserting new partitions, changes to windows, doors to create new visitors' facilities. These were carried out west of the original Lodge room, which was not affected. A second storey was added at that time, for offices for the visiting judge, welfare, psychology, education, probation and legal matters and a group room. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 127). 1987 - plans prepared (1987) for a new security wall, extending from existing southeastern gaol wall. New wall included a new reception building to Arthur Street, giving access to Block A, designed to match existing gaol walls, with recessed panels (NBRS Arch. 2021: 121). More detail is at NBRS Arch. 2021: 128, 129. 1988 - work on new brick wall and security fencing, costing $2m. Included new brick fence and walkway on Queen Street and Arthur Street to match old gaol wall, piping of Alumy Creek including an open drainage swale, new Officers' Amenities/ Reception, and carpark to the west of gaol, upgrading north-east tower of old gaol including spiral staircase and amenities. Changes to Visiting Facliities included a new roof. 1989 - Administration Block: original bricks on norther-eastern wall removed as part of modifications of stage 3 of Phase 2 works on Grafton Correctional Centre. Outer south-east wall removed. Laundry demolished. (NBRS Arch. 2021: 143). 1991 - Gaol officially abolished by proclamation and converted to a Periodic Detention Centre. Name change to Grafton Correctional Centre. 1991-92 - General Store and Residence (1898 - 1946) adjoining the north of the Industries and Stores Building (c1985) was modified into a Periodic Detention Centre in 1991 (NBRS Arch.: 145) a two storey cell accommodation at rear, single storey reception, dining/recreation area, kitchen, clinic at the front. With separate ablutions, laundry in cell blocks. More detail is at NBRS Arch.: 137-38). Then it was re-serviced as a women's detention centre in 1996 1991-92 - the June Baker Women's Centre (Women's Periodic Detention Centre) was built in northwest sector of site 1992 - northern Guard tower was replaced (NBRS Arch.: 143). The 1992 plan for Stage 3 phase 4 included alterations to the main entrance gate and adjacent offices (east) for a new visitors' processing area, offices for gate keeper (with toilet), roster clerk, deputy superintendent. This involved demolishing some brickwork between main gate and original guard room, some wall sections on the east wall of the latter, to create windows for the new gatekeeper's office. Further original brickwork was removed further east, creating new internal and external openings for the deputy superintendent's office. Existing interior security grill and gates were removed to provide a vehicle entry point to the gaol. New gates added in the security zone between main gate and rear blocks, north-west of entry, with existing temporary wall still on southeast (NBRS Arch.2021: 133). c.1996 (NB: 1991-92 entry, above) - Alterations involving use of Periodic Detention Centre as a Women's Detention Centre (June Baker Centre) , with two units (5 and 6) in Cell Block C minimum security reused as Periodic Detention Centre units. New fences built to separate these from the rest of Cell Blocks A - D, including removing a section of covered walkway, and creation of a new office in Unit 6. (NBRS Arch.2021: 140). 2011 - June Baker Centre closed. 6/2012 - O'Farrell government decided to downgrade the facility 2015 - Baird government partially reopened prison, creating 30 jobs 2015-16 - Number 3 and 4 wings (former C and D blocks) and June Baker Centre recommissioned, due to unprecedented growth in NSW inmate numbers (NBRS Arch.2021: 141).' 8/2019 - Grafton Gaol closed, with mid-2020 opening of Clarence Correctional Centre, 12km south of Grafton, Australia's biggest prison, opened (NBRS Arch. 2021: 142-143). 2020 - gaol officially closes with opening of new Clarence Correctional Centre.


Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Gaol, Correctional Centre

History

Historical notes:

Statement of Country:
Aboriginal people have lived on the North Coast for at least 8,500 years, based on radiocarbon dates of deposits from the Seelands rock shelter site, c.10km north of Grafton. The Clarence Valley region was home to several Aboriginal groups at the time of European contact, including hte Bundjalung, Gumbaynggir and Jiegera or Jeigir (Yaegl), which were from separate language groups. The river marked the boundary of the Gumbaynggir in the south and the Bundjalung in the north, with the Yaegl occupying the area from Grafton to the sea, along the lower Clarence River.

The temperate climate and richness of food provided by various environments of the valley, including river valleys, coastal ranges, forests, swamplands and sand dunes, provided an abundance of resources for Aboriginal people who would move from region to region depending on the seasons. When Matthew Flinders landed on the south head of the Clarence River during a coastal exploration trip in 1799, he observed huts built as shelters, which were assessed by his Aboriginal interpreter, Bungaree, as much superior to any he had seen before.

Conflicts with early colonist occurred from the 1830s, when timber getters started to clera the low-lying forested wetlands of the Clarence River and squatters took up licences during the 1830s and 1840s. Although Government despatches from the 1840s suggest that local Aboriginal tribes were non-confrontational and shied away from European contact, local newspapers put the blame squarely on Aboriginal people. With increasing settlement, Aboriginal groups were forced to set up camps on the fringes of towns such as Grafton, as it became increasingly difficult to access the resources of their traditional land.

Attitudes began to change from the 1870s, by when much damage had been done to the traditional way of life for Aboriginal people. To protect them from further decimation, the Board for the Protection of Aborigines was established in 1883 to organise housing, manage Aboriginal Reserves, and ensure their welfare by issuing blankets, clothing, medicine and ration coupons. However, the underpinning belief was that the best way to protect Aboriginal people was to separate them from white society, and Aboriginal Reserves provided a framework for this. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 37).

Grafton and its Gaols:
In 1828 Captain Henry Rouse on the Rainbow discovered Shoal Bay was the entrance to a substantial river, which he named the Clarence. It was explored by Captain James Butcher in the Eliza in 1838. Earlier that year, timber getters entered to cut red cedar. In May 1837 the government proclaimed seven squatting districts, allowing graziers licences for depasturing stock on Crown land and coinciding with the first colonial settlement. Earliest were timber getters in the lower reaches. Graziers followed, headed for the well-watered and thinly wooded vast plains, with run licences first issued in 1840. In 1841 the Sydney Herald, referring to the Clarence as a potential future '[ort for the shipment of wool' reported about 200 persons of various classes occupying the country between mountain and sea, and that at the head of navigation a post office and store were established. Surveying and division into counties and parishes continued into 1841, by when two informal settlements had formed at the future site of Grafton, on each side of the river. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 38).

By 1852, new laws enabled squatters to pre-emptively purchase portions of runs or extend leases up to 14 years, practically ending squatting in New South Wales. Clarence inhabitants requested establishment of a formal town. Named after the family of NSW Governor Sir Charles Fitzroy (his grandfather, Duke of Grafton, was British Prime Minister 1768-70), the town was surveyed mid-1849 and gazetted that December. By then it had a court-house and lock-up, and by the end of 1850, after the first lots were available, three inns, several blacksmiths, shoemakers and trades. Grafton grew rapidly in the 1850s, in part due to newly opened Timbarra goldfield. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 40, 41).

The 1860s saw rapid progress and building in Grafton. A gaol, new court house, hospital, Methodist and Catholic churches, school and telegraph station opened between 1860-63 (PSA, 2020, 14).

The current Grafton Gaol complex is the third to serve the town. The first (c1846) was near the river, adjoining the court house: a timber slab lock-up. The second (1861, opened 1862) did not contain the required number of cells, was flood prone and unhygienic.

In 1886, 6000 pounds were committed for a new (3rd) gaol, and higher ground was reserved. By then, the Clarence had a population over 17,000 and the worst offenders from the Richmond and Macleay (valleys) were sent to Grafton. Tenders for alterations and additions were called in 1889. Comptroller-General of Prisons George Miller visited, recommending another site and increased budget (19,000 pounds). This was the 6 acre western portion of Grafton Cattle Market. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 47, 48).

The third gaol design was selected by competition. By 1890, due to pressure from private architectural firms, the design of public buildings was not automatically given by the Minister for Works to the (new, 1890) Colonial / Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon. This process proved successful in the case of Grafton, but was subsequently abandoned due to difficulties with impartiality of some jurors. The competition was won by Sydney based architect, Henry Austin Wiltshire. The design follows trends already evident in the gaols designed by the Colonial / Government Architect's Branch.

By December 1891, 29 tenders were received for construction and the lowest, Goulburn-based construction company Holloway Bros, accepted. By June 1892, the Government Architect had decided bricks from Sydney would be used, as local bricks were not of sufficient quality. Holloway Bros. commenced the 2 year, 17,000 pound build using mainly brick and sandstone. By June 1893, works were nearly complete, but the project was running out of money. It was officially proclaimed on 8 September and under Gaoler Jeremiah Frewin, inmates moved in in December. Only those with medium to harsh sentences were sent here. Those with light sentences went to the police station lock-up or old gaol. The latter was de-proclaimed as a gaol the same month. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 52, 53, 57).

It featured a square compound, high brick walls, Prison Governor's residence, elaborate gatehouse with sandstone archway and ornate panelled doors. The facility had 18 male and 7 female cells across a two-storey wing. Males and females were segregated with separate exercise yards, bath houses and hospitals (PSA, 2020, 14).

In 1896 a new Comptroller-General of Prisons Captain Frederick Neitenstein was appointed, and immediately went on to extensively reform the system until retiring in 1909. In 1897 he introduced the 'restricted association' system after trial in Berrima, using it in all state prisons. 'Real criminals' were restricted from associating with those on lesser sentences. His reforms included a modified system of agriculture in select gaols, including Grafton. While Bathurst, Parramatta and Goulburn produced vegetables, Grafton also successfully produced grains like oats, for horses used in gaols. About 4 acres was cultivated with maize, potatoes and vegetables, worked daily by about 23 prisoners. It appears the gaol was not full initially, and 19 prisoners from Parramatta were sent here in 1897. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 61, 62, 63).

In 1906 John Raymond Brown was hanged for murdering three people. This was the first and last execution at Grafton Gaol (PSA 2020: 14). That year it received 118 prisoners, discharged 129 and had 36 interned by 1907. Prisoners worked in knitting, tailoring, boot- and hat-making, agricultural work and ordinary service of the prison. By 1910 'sexual perverts' were generally detained here, due to 1904 changes introduced by Neitenstein of grading and assigning specialised functions to each gaol. In 1911 Minister for Justice voiced plans to close Grafton Gaol, which was not well received, with fears of loss of trade by local businesses. Governor J.J. McKowne was promoted to run Darlinghurst Gaol, and succeeded by previous Senior Warder, Mr T. Piper. On 6 June 1912 Grafton was proclaimed as a place of confinement of habitual criminals, until then largely held at Parramatta. Sexual offenders continued to be sent to Grafton until 1923. (NBRS Architecture 2021: 67, 68).

In 1924 Grafton became a maximum-security prison. Reports stated each officer was in charge of an average of 3.4 prisoners. In 1942 structural alterations were carried out and the gaol became home of the state's most 'intractable' felons. A special allowance was paid to officers at Grafton to attract 'capable, tactful and robust' men (PSA 2020: 14).

Notorious criminal and prison escape artist Darcy Dugan was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1950 at Grafton. He twice tried and failed, to escape, the most daring being the 1953 large-scale breakout attempt, with 11 others (PSA, 2020, 15).

Notorious serial robber of banks and armed security vans, Ray Denning, was assaulted in 1978 by five officers in Grafton's trac (intractible) section. He underwent six months solitary confinement, and despite tranfers to Parramatta and Long Bay, was sent back - no other gaol would take him. Denning lost his court case against the officers, and managed the first successful prison escape from Grafton on 2 April 1980. He was on the loose until November 1981, when arrested in Sydney (NBRS Architecture 2021: 101-102).

In 1978 Justice Nagle's Royal Commission report highly criticised the management of NSW prisons and brutal practices in Grafton Gaol. The Department tried to blame the Public Sector Association (PSA), a claim rejected by Nagle who said the union acts in members' interests. The Wran government started a period of wide-ranging prison reforms (PSA, 2020, 15).

Stage 2 of redevelopment of Grafton Regional Prison was opened by Minister for Corrective Services, the Hon. M. Yabsley in 1989. A 96-unit accommodation included visitors' facilities with murals painted by inmate, Len Lawson, a notorious rapist and killer transferred to Grafton only in 1988 (NBRS Architecture 2021: 121).

In 1991 Grafton was reclassified from prison to periodic detention centre. All remaining prisoners were removed to other gaols. The renamed Grafton Correctional Centre accepted its first detainees in May 1992. In 1996 the June Baker Centre for female periodic detention inmates opened. (PSA, 2020, 15).

In 2012 the O'Farrell government closed the Correctional Centre and cut 92 jobs, over 80 per cent of its workforce. The PSA and local community fought closure, and as a result it remained operational as a transitional facility for around 60 inmates. In April 2015 the PSA launched a campaign to recommission Grafton as a gaol. It was concerned about the state's prison population rising to an all-time high of 11,500. In September the Baird government re-opened the gaol, creating 30 jobs (PSA, 2020, 15). Following the PSA's success in having Kirkconnell gaol near Bathurst reopened, on 23 April 2015 it held a media conference in front of Grafton Gaol calling on the government to fully recommission the prison to alleviate overcrowding in NSW correctional facilities and provide much needed employment. The PSA raised concerns that overcrowding gaols heightens risk of violence while workers compensation for Correctional Officers and others is inadequate. (PSA E-news, 20/4/15).

In 2019 the government announced that Grafton would close when the new Clarence Correctional Centre opened in 2020. Australia's biggest prison,1700-bed Clarence Correctional Centre, was officially opened on 25 June. Inmates from Grafton and other centres began arriving on 1 July. On 17 July an official retirement (closing) ceremony was held at the front entry, attended by Corrective Services NSW Commissioner, Peter Severin. A lone piper led parole officers and staff out through the gates for the last time (Clarence Valley Independent, 22/7/2020). COVID-19 restrictions prevented many former staff from attending (PSA, 2020, 15).

The former jail has been offered to Clarence Valley Council for redevelopment, although Council is not in a position to take it on (Hourigan, 24/11/2020).

In August 2021, plans to unlock the former gaol were announced, with an application for subdivision. Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey says the government has consulted with Council, Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council and other stakeholders to identify ways it can be reused to benefit the whole community. Ms Pavey said proposed is transfer of portion of the site comprising the old Market Garden and Industrial buildings to the LALC to support better outcomes for the Aboriginal community and successfully resolve a land claim. The southeast portion with significant heritage items will be set aside for future adaptive reuse with heritage protections in place, all subject to planning approvals (Clarence Valley Independent, 25/8/2021).

In late 2023, Clarence Valley Council approved PDNSW's application to subdivide the site to enable its plans to:
- transfer part of the site to the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to support better outcomes for the local Aboriginal community
- transfer part of the site to NSW Health for future service delivery as part of the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment, and
- explore ways to repurpose the remaining parts of the site, including the adaptive re-use of the heritage buildings and spaces to support the region's economic growth. (PDNSW, 2025).

In January 2024, the NSW Government returned a portion of the former correctional centre site, comprising the gaol's old market garden and industrial buildings to the Grafton Ngerrie LALC, resolving an Aboriginal land claim. The Grafton Ngerrie LALC site will be used to serve the wider community and provide much-needed job and training opportunities for local Aboriginal people and the broader Clarence Valley community. (PDNSW, 2025).

In January 2025, NSW Health acquired two administration blocks on the north-eastern corner of the gaol. The buildings will be refurbished to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities for the redevelopment of the adjacent Grafton Base Hospital. NSW Health's development application for the buildings' refurbishment has been approved and work is expected to start in 2025. (PDNSW, 2025).

An international Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign was launched on 15 March 2024 seeking proposals to acquire and repurpose the historical, state heritage-listed portion of the site (the former maximum security section). Parts of the site subject to the EOI included the gaol's landmark gatehouse entrance, central courtyard, 3 cell blocks, guard station, amenities block, reception area and Governor's office. The heritage significance of these buildings means they must be preserved and reused in ways that ensure the site remains a historic centrepiece in Grafton.

The EOI campaign closed on 24 April 2024 and, following a comprehensive review of submissions, the Government has decided not to progress the EOI in its current form. Corrective Services NSW is considering options for the future of the maximum security portion of the former Grafton Correctional Centre and managing enquiries. Corrective Services NSW engaged PDNSW to investigate options and potential opportunities to repurpose the site.

Following extensive consultation with Clarence Valley Council, the local community, and Grafton Ngerrie LALC, PDNSW reached agreement on a plan to subdivide the former Grafton Gaol site, creating better outcomes for the community. (PDNSW, 2025).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
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 institutions - productive and ornamental-
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 prisoners and internees-
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-
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.	State 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 - administering the justice system-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Incarcerating prisoners-
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 (late)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a jail or gaol-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Holloway Brothers, English building company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Henry Austin Wilshire, architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Grafton Correctional Complex may have State historic significance as an intact late 19th century gaol, demonstrating the development of the philosophy regarding prison architecture in NSW and the confinement of prisoners during this time. Its gaol wall, gatehouse, administration building and original cell block are of considerable importance in demonstrating this aspect of the history of New South Wales. It is one of few gaol complexes designed by private architects in Australia, as well as one of few known examples of the work of Henry Wilshire. It continues the features of gaol design developed by the Colonial (later Government) Architect's branch. Grafton Correctional Centre is one of the few public buildings designed by competition in the late nineteenth century. The development of this complex, the third and largest prison in Grafton, and its continuing expansion during the late 20th century is directly related to the growth and expansion of Grafton. The site is also historically significant for its evidence of changing philosophy regarding rehabilitation of prisoners and changing needs of correctional centres since its original development in the 1890s until its closure in 2020.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Grafton Gaol within the Grafton Correctional Complex may have State significance for its historic associations with its designer Henry Wilshire, a Sydney based architect who worked between 1879 and 1923. Wilshire worked in residential, commercial and institutional design including Grafton Gaol, the Bennett & Wood (Speedwell Bicycles) building in Sydney and Warringah Hall (later occupied by Ajax Films - demolished) in Neutral Bay (1910). He undertook a number of commissions for the Anglican Church, including designing the parsonage for the newly established St. Clement's Anglican Church, Mosman (1894); the Church of St. James at Ingleburn/Minto (1897); St. Labans in Lindfield (1904) and the Anglican Memorial Church (now known as Christ Church) in Coonabarabran (1918). In 1916, he submitted the winning design in a competition organised by the Synod of the Sydney Archdiocese of the Church of England, for significant extensions and alterations to the Chapter House at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. He also did commissions for other denominations: in 1885 he designed the Sunday School for the Ashfield Wesleyan (now Uniting) Church, now the headquarters for Bill Crews' Exodus Foundation. In 1901, he designed additions to the Congregational Church at Rockdale, and in 1921 he designed the manse for the now heritage-listed St John's (Uniting) Church in Neutral Bay. He is also credited with introducing and building the first modern flat-roofed houses in Australia in Cremorne and Mosman. Wilshire was an active member of the profession, being a member of the (then) Institute of Architects of New South Wales from at least the late 1880s. He was a member of the Committee of the Institute on various occasions from 1893 through to 1919, and held a number of executive positions, including Vice- President (1897-1899) and Honorary Treasurer (1901). It is also associated with several notorious criminals who were incarcerated there, including serial bank and armed security vans robber Raymond John Denning and notorious rapist and killer, Leonard Lawson. With this connection, Grafton Correctional Complex is likely to meet the threshold for this Criterion at a state and local level.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Grafton Correctional Centre may have State aesthetic siginficance as an intact example of a late 19th century prison complex using an architectural style, materials and site configuration which are typical of its period. Aesthetically significant structures include the gaol wall, gatehouse, administration building (originally the gaoler's quarters) and the cell block (One Wing). These remain relatively intact from the gaol's original phase of construction, which was completed in 1893. The gaol wall is aesthetically significant as an original and prominent feature of the site. Its 1980s extension fronting Queen Street replicated the original design and is a prominent feature of the streetscape. The gatehouse, designed by Henry Wilshire, is aesthetically significant as a good example of a late 19th century gaol entrance, in Federation Romanesque style with its machiolated parapet, applied to create an imposing and visually dominant structure reflecting the gaol's importance and function. The administration building, designed by Henry Wilshire, is aesthetically significant as a good example of a residential building in Federation Romanesque style, with typical characteristics such as verandah and roof form, elements of Romanesque Revival, such as staggered brickwork to verandah columns, to differentiate it from the gatehouse. One-Wing, the maximum security male cell block is aesthetically significant for demonstrating the original architectural character of Grafton Gaol, in materials, original configuration and overall aesthetic site qualities. It retains original fabric of significance such as external fabric, curved brickwork corners, gabled roof, surviving original internal fabric such as cast iron stairs and balustrades, and arched corrugated iron ceiling. Its aesthetics demonstrate more strongly than any other structure on site, the environment in which inmates were held.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Grafton Correctional Centre may have State significant research potential through potential archaeological material which is expected to be related to the use of the study area as a prison between 1893 and 2020. The 'A Wing' cell block is the oldest building still standing within the inner wall of the prison. Detailed examination of this building has potential to inform an understanding of its construction phases as well as potential artefactual material relating to the daily lives of inmates. There is also potential to gather information on Grafton's history through exploring the vestiges of the 1954 observational gallery, Circle Yard area, dark cells and blacksmithing shops as well as other demolished buildings. Excavation of such historical deposits could potentially shed light on the health and diet of prisoners over time, the segregation of prisoners and their treatment as well as other research questions. There is a distinct paucity of archaeological evidence relating to prison complexes, and this site has potential to fill this void of knowledge. The archaeological record can also assist in determining several phases of development where architectural plans relating to the conversion of buildings no longer exist, such as the female wing of the gaol. This location also offers the potential for exploring research into the lives of female prisoners at the turn of the century.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Grafton Correctional Complex may have State rarity value as one of few gaol complexes designed by private architects in Australia, the only building built as a result of the competition system which was abandoned after controversy over the next competition. The majority of New South Wales prisons constructed at this time were the work of the Government Architect's Office. The original buildings at the Grafton Correctional Centre, including the gatehouse, administration building, visits building and One-Wing, are some of the few known examples of the work of Henry Wilshire (1860-1923). Grafton Correctional Centre is a rare example of a regional NSW gaol built in the later half of the 19th century, one of four remaining in use from over 50 country gaols listed as operating in NSW in 1896 (until its closure in 2020, when inmates were moved to the new Clarence Valley Correctional Centre).
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The original portion of the Grafton Correctional Centre may be State significant as a good representative example of a late 19th century gaol and later prison complex, demonstrating the characteristics of its type in terms of architecture, materiality and layout and changing needs of the correctional system as reflected in the different phases of development on the site. The site exhibits some principal characteristics of 19th century gaol sites in New South Wales. Its gaol walls and gatehouse are legible markers of its original use and typical elements of gaol complexes. Wilshire's design for the complex, which includes the central gatehouse, buildings within the gaol wall and a 'layered' configuration formed by the wall, sterile zone, inner cell blocks and inner yards, is evident today and provides a good representative example of prison complex layouts dating from this time. One-Wing, as the cell block remaining from the original phase of construction (1893), represents the typical layout and aesthetic qualities of prison cell blocks of this time and has exceptional significance for its ability to represent this class of building.
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.

Recommended management:


	Retain and adaptively reuse former cell block walls and former residence.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
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		00809	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register		009	09 Feb 95
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre	3360073
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - Administration Build	3360074
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - Gatehouse	3360079
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - Old Tower South	3360078
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - Perimeter Wall (Old	3360077
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - Visiting Facilities	3360075
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Grafton Correctional Centre - A Wing	3360076
Local Environmental Plan	Grafton Correctional Centre	I109	23 Dec 11
National Trust of Australia register	Grafton Gaol (Gates and Residence)	2636	11 Feb 74
Register of the National Estate	Grafton Gaol Group	3436	21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Department of Corrective Services: Interim Heritage and Conservation Register	1995	009	State Projects Heritage Group		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Clarence Valley Independent	2021	"Plans to unlock former Grafton Gaol site"	View detail
Written	Hourigan, Adam	2020	'Old Grafton jail site offered up for redevelopment'	View detail
Written	NBRS Architecture (Noel Bell Ridley Smith)	2022	Heritage Maintenance Plan - Former Grafton Correctional Centre, 170 Hoof Street, Grafton
Written	NBRS Architecture. Heritage (Noel Bell Ridley Smith)	2021	Conservation Management Plan - Grafton Correctional Centre, 170 Hoof Street, Grafton
Written	Property and Development New South Wales (PDNSW)	2025	Former Grafton Correctional Centre
Written	Public Sector Association (PSA)	2020	"Correctives - Serco agrees to Enterprise Bargaining" and "Grafton Gaol: A Timeline"	View detail
Written	Public Sector Association (PSA)	2015	PSA E-news
Written	State Projects Heritage Group	1995	NSW Department of Corrective Services Heritage and Conservation Register

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:	5011970
File number:	H00/00298/01

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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