The National Trust (NSW) has made a submission outlining our concerns in relation to the proposal to develop the Berrima Gaol into a commercial site.

We note that Berrima Gaol and associated structures have been listed on the National Trust Heritage Register for the last 50 years. Since this time the site has also been listed on the Wingecarribee Local Environmental Plan (both individually and inside a Heritage Conservation Area) and the State Heritage Register. It is considered to be a rare and unusual heritage site and is of great significance to the local community.

The National Trust noted the following major concerns in our submission:

Consultation with the National Trust

We have noted that development documentation has claimed ‘the proposed design has undergone a rigorous review with the National Trust’ and that the design has responded to any feedback given. The National Trust wishes to make clear that we have not undertaken any form of documented ‘rigorous review’ of the proposal.

Penetration of the gaol wall

It is the opinion of the National Trust that the proposed penetration of the exceptionally significant gaol wall, only metres away from the original James Barnett designed entry gate, is not an appropriate heritage outcome. We note that conservation policies advise ‘New openings in the gaol wall are permissible if carefully considered and their need demonstrated but must maintain the overall presentation and ongoing interpretation of the original function of the wall.’ (policy 54). The National Trust recommends that if a new penetration is necessary, it should be located in a more practical and less significant location.

Holistic approach towards the site

There is a missed opportunity to activate the site by conserving and including the Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s cottages as part of any design proposal. These buildings are located on either side of the gaol entry, with public frontage, and there is an obvious advantage in adaptively re-using these buildings as part of any desired activation.

Read the National Trust’s submission here.

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