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HISTORIC Brisbane prison Boggo Road Gaol will be given a new lease on life with a $300 million redevelopment project.
The public will be able to visit the neglected prison after making it the heart of a community hub surrounded by cafés and restaurants, according to Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander.
“The gaol will incorporate a modern mixed use development into the existing site in a way that celebrates the gaol’s historical significance,” says Mander.
A museum complete with tours of the prison will be offered, so people can learn about the gaol’s role in Brisbane’s history.
Mander says more than 1,200 jobs will be created through the project.
“It will contribute significantly to the local economy, both during the redevelopment and beyond, and is part of our strong plan to grow the construction industry,” says Mander.
Leighton Properties will be responsible for creating the new urban village, while Calile Malouf Investments Pty Ltd will undertake the renovation of the gaol.
The two companies will consult with each other and the State Government in the design of the project.
Leighton Properties national head of residential Gavin Tonnet says the proposal is looking to recall the cultural and social importance of the area.
“The gaol will be respectfully renewed in partnership with a team of experts and heritage advisors to ensure the long-term sustainability of Boggo Road’s important heritage and cultural fabric, while allowing the memory of the place to be retained in a sympathetic way,” says Tonnet.
The Boggo Road Gaol was opened in 131 years ago in 1883 and has been closed since 1992.
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