About the project

Bringing the outside, in: revitalising a historic precinct

The challenge

Since its opening in 1839, the site has been designed to keep those inside, in, and those outside, out. The site’s interior has been added, subtracted and altered many times since it was developed. The challenge is to align the space with the remaining heritage elements - the iconic sandstone wall and gatehouse. The objective in repurposing the site is to give the site a new lease on life.

Our challenge, is to to draw on the site’s heritage and potential, to create a more inclusive, functional community space for residents and visitors to enjoy. We aim to create a more inclusive, functional space for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Our response

The development we are proposing is for an adaptive re-use of the Berrima Gaol. This will incorporate a boutique hotel facility (approx. 60 rooms) supported by a number of independent businesses, venues and spaces, such as:

  • Signature restaurant and bar/s

  • Wellness Centre, spa and gym

  • Function space and meeting rooms

  • Boutique retail

  • Working garden

  • Guest accommodation comprising hotel rooms

  • Carparking, which may also provide a potential space for community events.

The process

In March 2024 we received the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs). This was the first step in a long and comprehensive process, and a crucial step. The SEARs outlined the requirements for making any future development submissions.

There are a number of surveys and reports in progress, which inform the designs put to the community during consultations.

Progress update on the Berrima Gaol redevelopment.

  • Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment (ACHA) site walk has been carried out with representatives from the registered Aboriginal parties.

  • Connecting with Country process is underway with the first on site discovery session taking place in September.

  • Ecological, bushfire and aquatic site investigations have been undertaken, and the assessments are in progress.

  • A flood study and ground water investigation are currently underway.

  • The Conservation Management Plan has been completed. This is a major undertaking that hasn’t been carried out on the site since the gaol closed. This will soon be made available on the project web site.

Next Steps

The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) will be ready soon. When we have all the information from the above surveys and reports, we will be able to present concept designs for public consultation. When these are ready we will advertise a series of drop-in consultation sessions for communities across the Southern Highlands to view the concept designs and project information, over the coming months.  The sessions will be open to all and will be held in Berrima itself and in various other Southern Highlands communities

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About the project partners

The Blue Sox Group (Blue Sox) is a family-owned property development, construction and property management firm, which creates and invests in quality residential, commercial and mixed-use projects

The Blue Sox Group is a team of industry-leading professionals with inspiring backgrounds in architecture, construction, design, real estate, sales, valuation and retail with extensive experience in developing major projects in NSW

Blue Sox has completed numerous developments including land sub-divisions, multi-story apartment and townhouse developments, commercial developments, hospitality venues and hotels - including high-end luxury and heritage-listed projects. 

Heritage

Engagement

TURNER is a multi-award-winning design firm, specialising in Architecture and Urban, Interior and Experiential Design. As Cityshaping Alchemists, they bring the magic to shape places for people. TURNER's folio of projects is extensive and evolving as they continue to create living, working and leisure spaces that energise communities and drive positive change.

 TURNER believes design is for everyone and weave inclusivity, connectivity, and enjoyment into every aspect of their work, creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They understand the importance of a project's context - including the social, cultural, economic and environmental influences, and integrate urban design expertise into every project.

Town planning

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