Vision to convert Parramatta Gaol into a youth hostel and revive North Parramatta landmark

Heritage advocates are calling for the historic Parramatta Gaol to be converted into a hostel and bring the landmark to life as the neighbourhood braces for a development boom.

Cells could be converted into hostel rooms if a vision to revitalise Parramatta Gaol prevails. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Heritage advocates are calling for the historic and vacant Parramatta Gaol to be refitted for use as budget accommodation to attract an untapped tourism market into the neighbourhood as it braces for a development boom.

While the government has earmarked the streets surrounding the 225-year-old prison at North Parramatta for upzoning and major residential developments, the jail is lying dormant and presents an opportunity “nobody’s talking about”.

National Trust Parramatta branch deputy chairwoman Suzette Meade envisaged the vast 8.7-hectare site to be used as a hostel and suggested major operator YHA would be the ideal addition to the city’s booming hotel scene.

“The youth hostel is a missing component of tourism in Parramatta,’’ Ms Meade said.

“We’re building six-star hotels and trying to bring in the younger demographic that stay longer in a hostel than they would in a six-star hotel.’’

The prison housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals but could host tourists if a vision comes to fruition. Picture: David Swift

Along with plugging a gap in the tourism market, the heritage advocate said a private operator would offset the financial burdens of managing the site, with owners Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council under administration and the state government unable to fund a future operation.

Repurposing the heritage-listed prison would mirror successful projects at Pentridge Prison in Melbourne and Fremantle Jail in Perth which are used to host tours for history buffs and students as well as functions.

Youth Hostels Association is a major industry operator in Australia.

Parramatta heritage advocate Suzette Meade.

“It’s not like it hasn’t been done before,’’ Ms Meade said.

“They include accommodation, bars, educational experiences for schools, farmers’ markets, museums and tours.

“With cultural and heritage visitors accounting for 63 per cent of international visitors to NSW, and 33 per cent of interstate visitors, Parramatta is sitting on a literal cultural tourist industry goldmine.’’

Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger backed the concept.

“I think that the prison is one of the great pieces of history in Parramatta and I think people are fascinated by prisons because of the stories you can feel in the walls,’’ he said.

“I think public access in one form or the other is fantastic. Now there’s a light rail a hop, jump and skip away from the prison, there’s more opportunity to be used. The world is littered with these historic prisons and cities have found a way to make them useful.”

A room in the old jail. Picture: David Swift

He said the challenge was it would be expensive to maintain and would need revenue to keep up with repairs.

Ms Meade described the vacant jail as the “white elephant” of North Parramatta heritage precinct where ongoing proposals were often debated following state government’s rezoning plans for the suburb which is earmarked for 2500 extra homes.

The high density proposals ignited fears it could jeopardise plans to place the campaign to put Parramatta Female Factory on the World Heritage List.

One of the major developments is 370 units at the corner of Albert and O’Connell streets near the jail.

The jail has been open for public use sporadically since its closure in 2011, including in 2015 when the exercise yard hosted a Johnny Cash tribute concert as part of the Sydney Festival.

The Red Bull Neymar Jr’s Five soccer competition was held there in 2019 and the ghost tours were a drawcard but stopped operating last year.

The state and federal governments, Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council and private enterprise would need to come together to make the project work, Ms Meade said.

“These types of experiences are currently missing in Parramatta but with creative collaboration, we could create a unique and vibrant destination for all visitors’ bucket lists.”

YHA declined to comment.