Historic Grafton Jail On The Block

A jail once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals is on the block.

The NSW Government through Property and Development NSW is offloading a substantial section of the historic Grafton Correctional Centre’s Heritage Precinct.

The site, in the centre of the town on the banks of the Clarence River about 600km north of Sydney, is “a unique opportunity for visionary investors and developers to repurpose a significant piece of Australian heritage into a vibrant community asset”, according to Colliers, who is handling the sale.

The Grafton Correctional Centre, a former medium and maximum-security prison dating from 1893, is renowned for its Federation-style architecture and significant historical value.

The nearby 1700-bed Clarence Correctional Centre, the biggest jail in Australia, opened in July, 2020 and all inmates transferred from the Grafton jail, ending its role as a prison.

On the block is the south-eastern corner of the site at Hoof Street, which spans about 9085sq m with a gross building area of around 4972sq m.

Buildings that formerly held a central courtyard, three cell blocks, a guard station, amenities block, reception area and the governor’s office are included in the sale.

It comes after a subdivision of the site that enabled the transfer of the former market garden and industrial part of the site to the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council, which will use it to “achieve positive social and economic outcomes for the local Aboriginal community”, a NSW Government spokesperson said.

“It is poised for adaptive reuse, offering potential investors a canvas to craft a development that could include cultural, educational, residential, or commercial spaces, subject to planning approvals.” Colliers said.

“The property’s listing as a NSW State Heritage Item ensures that any development will preserve the site’s historical integrity while allowing for modern reinterpretation and use.”

The sale by expressions of interest managed by Colliers “highlights a strategic move to leverage the site’s rich history and prime location for economic and community development”, the Government said.

▲ A jail has been on the site since 1862—the current complex was begun in 1893.

Colliers Sydney South West Investment Services director Thomas Mosca said it was “more than just a sale”.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revitalise a piece of Australian history,” Mosca said.

“We envision the future of the heritage precinct as a vibrant community hub that pays homage to its past while driving the economic and cultural growth of Grafton and the broader Clarence Valley region.”

Fellow Colliers director Nick Estephen said the transformation of the Grafton Correctional Centre into a multifaceted development would serve as a catalyst for regional development.

Grafton, known as the Jacaranda City, is the centre of the largest local government area on the North Coast, the Clarence Valley, with a population of more than 52,000 residents.

The expressions-of-interest campaign is due to close on April 24.

This month, the Melbourne-based Tyas family scooped up a 3.42ha site at Grafton for a $70-million retail centre.

The developer has already secured pre-commitments for about 50 per cent of the retail centre to be built at 21 Through Street, with national tenants, including Total Tools and Carl’s Jr.