Time to think clink
Castlemaine could hold lessons for future of Geelong’s old gaol
HOSPITALITY and apartment plans from private owners of a former 19th century prison in central Victoria offer a glimpse to the future of the Old Geelong Gaol.
The Old Castlemaine Gaol was one of three stone prisons shut by the State Government in the 1990s.
Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison was demolished for a housing development, while prisons at Geelong and Castlemaine were sold to local councils.
The Mount Alexander Shire sold the Old Castlemaine Gaol in 2012 to a consortium of families for $550,000.
Director Gary McClure said the prison was open for tours, a cafe and restaurant, a music venue and weddings, but plans also included turning existing residences into a bed and breakfast and developing part of the 4.4ha property outside the walls into an apartment complex.
Mr McClure said the owners faced issues with the council on building compliance and providing longer access to the site to make it more profitable, while heritage restrictions and the condition of the 1860s buildings, including water and pigeon damage, were also a hurdle.
“That was reflected in the price,” Mr McClure said.
“We’ve been at it for three to four years now. It’s not a quick process by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.
Mr McClure said Heritage Victoria was receptive to their plans.
“They would much prefer to see the facility open and used,” he said. “There are 100 cells in there. If we’ve got to open up some to make bigger rooms, they understand that and they listen to it,” he said.
Andrew Lewis, a director Colliers International which handled the 2010 Castlemaine sale, said there was strong interest from property devel- opers in the Geelong prison.
“I know of at least four parties across Geelong – all developers, hospitality operators, who would be very keen to buy it,” Mr Lewis said.
The City’s acting director finance and strategy Peter Anderson said expressions of interest were expected to be completed by early 2018, and final offers and business plans completed by April 2018. He said the City had contact with some interested buyers.
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