Grafton Gaol set to be region’s expanding hospital in historic site’s redevelopment

From a place of confinement to a place of care: Grafton’s historic gaol is set to be reimagined with new developments taking it two steps forward to support the Clarence Valley’s growing health needs.

The old Grafton Gaol is set for a transformation from former jail cells to halls of healing after the state government announced it would invest $263.8m into the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment.

The funding boost will allow NSW Health to buy a portion of the former Grafton Gaol, closed since 2020, to meet the growing health needs of the region.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the acquisition would provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.

“This multimillion-dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities,” he said.

Old Grafton Gaol from above showing the aerial view of the health site to be acquired by Property and Development NSW for NSW Health.

While clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site, the acquisition will provide a new three-storey acute services building, including a new emergency department, emergency short stay, medical imaging and MRI, and an inpatient unit.

The area of the Grafton Gaol now set for a health expansion to meet the Clarence Valley's growing needs.

The current day surgery and operating suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres.

Lands and Property Minister Steve Kamper said the transfer of this part of the heritage site to NSW Health “ensures the old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic”.

Alongside the property acquisition, a development application (DA) for refurbishment of part of the old gaol was approved mid-December by the Northern Regional Planning Panel.

The successful DA allows for a transformation of parts of the historic building for administration facilities.

The area of the historic Grafton Gaol set to be redeveloped, marking a new era in healthcare for the region.

Both the property acquisition and the DA approval are music to the ears of the Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong.

“Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.”

The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, closing when the new correctional facility at Lavadia began operations.

Despite unconfirmed construction time frames for the full redevelopment, works at the former gaol site are expected to start this year.

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Originally published as Grafton Gaol set to be region’s expanding hospital in historic site’s redevelopment