Second-life plans begin for old Grafton jail as DA seeks to split sites

It has sat stagnant for more than a year after the opening of the new jail at Lavadia, but plans have emerged for the site’s redevelopment. Take a look at the first steps here.

The second life of Grafton’s former jail site has taken its first steps with plans to split the site now released.

The DA, which has been advertised for comment by Clarence Valley Council, seeks to combine the six odd-shaped land allotments in the jail complex, and then split them into four separate parcels of land.

The jail site was originally offered to Clarence Valley Council, who knocked back the proposal because they did not want to take on the historic asset.

There were also land claims over the site and according to the development application it is proposed two portions of the 4.4 hectare property will be transferred to the Grafton Ngerrie Local Aboriginal Land Council following extensive negotiations.

Another piece of the property, close to the current Grafton Base Hospital site, will be transferred to NSW Health for delivery of future services. The final piece, mostly encompassing the heritage precinct of the jail, will be offered to the open market.

Outline of sections of the Grafton Jail redistribution: 1. (Blue) Transfers to GNLALC 2. (Red) Transfers to Government 3. (Yellow) Transfers to GNLALC with long-term lease back commitment 4. Easement for access

The proposal also shows an easement running almost parallel to Queen St will be created between the land council’s allotment and the other sites, while a small section opposite the hospital will be leased by the land council on a long-term lease back to the government.

A detailed environmental report on the site states that the submission would not have any adverse effects on the locality as it contains no land works.

However, heritage reports outline areas within the old jail that are of heritage value and include work that needs to be done on structures prior to redevelopment.

It also lists the possibility of any development works disturbing the remains of inmates who may have died there in its early history, including John Raymond Brown who was executed at the jail in 1906.

Also mentioned is the importance of keeping the heritage views provided by the old jail site, especially the outer facade of the main gatehouse, administration building and one-wing.

Letters of notification have been sent to neighbours of the site, and the development application is open for submissions until August 13.