The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.
In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.
Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.
The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state's Heritage Register in 1999.
The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated.
Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.
The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.
"This multi-million 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."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:
"The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn't remain an unused relic.
"This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:
"We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state's key former correctional centres.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:
"This is a fantastic outcome for the Grafton and Clarence communities as it secures the future use of this historic site, which will really benefit the local residents."
