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Heritage Impact Statement for

FORMER CASTLEMAINE GAOL

This Heritage Impact Statement forms part of a permit application for

Alterations and additions to the existing gaol at

36-48 BOWDEN STREET,

CASTLEMAINE

Date: 13 June, 2017

Victorian Heritage Register Number: H 0990

Prepared by

Robyn Riddett

Director

For

The Old Gaol Pty Ltd

Anthemion Consultancies

POB18183 Collins Street East Melbourne 8003

Tel. +61 3 9495 6389 Email: [email protected]

Anthemion Consultancies 1 Heritage Impact Statement

VHR H 0990 Former Castlemaine Gaol 36-48 Bowden Street Castlemaine

Former Castlemaine Gaol, 36-48 Bowden Street Castlemaine (VHR0990)

1.0 Introduction

1. This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared in accord with Heritage Victoria’s Guidelines for Preparing Heritage Impact Statements, at the request of The Owners, The Old Gaol Pty Ltd. The Gaol complex is zoned General Residential and has a permit for use as a place of assembly. The proposed works are required to improve the existing facilities for hospitality use and to introduce some accommodation use and to comply with current regulations. It addresses the proposed new restaurant building, alterations and additions to provide accommodation and new access to the Gaol and also landscaping of the grounds. It also includes a list of proposed permit exemptions.

2.0 Heritage Impact Statement

2.1 Existing condition of the registered place

2 The Gaol generally follows the typical Pentonville model used by the Victorian Public Works Department in the nineteenth century. The site is in an elevated position on a hill and is rectangular in shape. It is bounded by Edward, Bowden and Charles Streets on the north, west and south sides and by residential development on the east side.

Figure 1 Aerial view of the Castlemaine Gaol complex. North is at the top of the picture. The site of the new restaurant is shown by the yellow arrow and the Governor’s house is shown by the red arrow.

Imagery date 2/11/2016.

Source: Google Earth



3 The building is in two sections: the west side contains two double-storey cell blocks radiating from a central observation vestibule (panopticon), walled exercise and holding yards, service yards, a kitchen, store and toilets all contained in a half-hexagonal shape with a roughly straight side on the east. The individual cells open off each side of the cell block aisles. The upper level is accessed by iron stairs to the iron plate galleries, which have open iron balustrades, and which are supported off the walls by iron brackets. The cells each have a timber door faced with metal sheet and contain observation spyholes and drop-down iron hatches and iron bolts. The cell block is constructed from stone and brick (walls) and with brick barrel vaults in the cells and a corrugate steel lining to the main aisle roofs, all of which are intended to be fireproof. The walkway and most cell floors are concrete, some cell floors are timber, and windows are iron-framed, fixed and contain mostly obscured glazing. In the Governor’s and Warders’ areas the buildings are either stone or brick. Roofs are slate or corrugated steel.

4 East of the cell blocks are two parallel long buildings of rooms, one attached to the cell blocks and one detached along the east side, which were used by the prison governor, warders and the like, stores and a yard. Some rooms have timber floors and chimney breasts and/or fire boxes. In the centre of the easternmost wing is the main entrance from where there is direct access to the cell block across an internal courtyard (northern court yard). Adjacent to the entrance outside (east) the complex is a bitumen roadway and at grade car parking spaces.

5 The Governor’s house is located on the south side and a workshop is located in the north-west corner.

6 Surrounding the complex is open land which is variously thinly planted with trees, some shrubs and grass. The land falls steeply away on the east side and in the south-west corner.

7 Drawing A1 3 has photographs of the Gaol which are keyed to a location plan. These photographs are mostly of the areas in which work is proposed as part of this application.

8 Having been constructed as a gaol, the buildings are quite sturdy and with limited door and window openings and then mostly secured by grillages and/or fixed windows. While originally intended to be quite Spartan the existing condition of the building(s) is nevertheless quite run-down, is in need of maintenance and has had some alterations many of which have reached their effective life-span. Toilet and kitchen areas are very utilitarian as is the space which is presently used as a bar.

2.2 Current use of the registered place

9 The Castlemaine Gaol is currently used for café/restaurant/function centre, functions and events.

2.3 Proposed use of the registered place

10 It is proposed to continue the existing use but with improved function/hospitality facilities and also to provide limited overnight accommodation so that the future of the building(s) is viable.

2.4 The proposed works

11 The proposed works are set out on drawings prepared by arkgroup numbered A-201015, A1 1, dated 01/02/2016; A1 2 dated 01/02/2016 and 24/09/2016; A1 3 at 1:200 and 1:100, dated 01/02/2016; A1 4, dated 01/02/2016; A1 6, dated 01/02/2016; A1 7, dated 01/02/2016; A1 8, dated 01/02/2016 and A1 10, dated 01/02/2016. There is also a set of



5 landscape plans prepared by Genuslandscapearchitects, all numbered 17-2014 and dated March 2017.

12 The approach to the works has been one which is respectful of the existing original elements and changes as little as is necessary while providing for the requirements of a revitalised and new entrance, function/café and accommodation areas, including regulatory requirements.

13 The following section describes proposed works which are intended to be undertaken now and a separate section sets out permit exemptions which are being applied for as part of this application and which, if approved, can be undertaken at any time in the future.

Demolition

14 None of the identified demolition works will have any adverse impact on significant fabric.

15 The exact demolition works are scheduled on Drawing A1 1 and are keyed to the plan and shown as items A – J. Photographs of the relevant areas are on Drawing A1 2. In summary they include removal of 1970s brick workshop, service yard, showers and toilets, gym, skillion access hall, lightweight and/or timber access passage and sheds, removal, widening or lowering of some sections of stone and brick walls to provide for new access and the proposed restaurant, a new restaurant, en suites in the accommodation areas and the like. Original bricks and granite which is removed will be retained and re-used in new work. In summary, the effects of these works will be variously to remove intrusive and non-significant accretions or else will be benign.

Alterations to Existing Fabric

16 The exact demolition works are scheduled on Drawing A1 1 and are keyed to the plan and shown as items 1 - 14. Proposed alterations to existing individual windows, mostly repair and repainting; doors and gates are scheduled out on Drawing A1 3.

17 In summary these works include: widening of the internal yard metal access doorways and some other doorways, reinstatement of the external access doorway and consequent widening, removal of brickwork to enable the creation of an entrance to a new vestibule and another access way, some internal alterations to a workshop to create a brewhouse, removal of the concrete floor and all services in the holding yard to enable new offices, removal of a concrete plinth step, repairs to a ramp, bricking up of an existing doorway in a yard north of the angled cell block, removal of and/or repairs to timber-framed widows in the eastern wing, removal of non-original internal fitout and removal of a window in the south wall of the easternmost wing adjacent to the existing southern court yard which will become a restaurant.

18 Overall only 14 elements, not all of which are to significant fabric, will be altered. Given the overall scale of the complex, any works on original fabric are minor and potentially reversible. Door widening works are generally as per current regulations for public use, including egress and disabled access and some works are to previously altered door openings.

Site Alterations and Works

19 The exact demolition works are scheduled on Drawing A1 1 and are keyed to the plan and shown as items i - viii. In summary they include: changes to or removal of areas of bitumen, changes to some external levels using crushed rock, excavation of earthern battered walls, diversion of the Governor’s walking trail tourist activity and landscaping. All the stone walls in proximity to any works will be protected during the works. Car parking



will be relocated from the east side abutting the entrance wing to the north and west sides in proximity to Bowden and Edward Streets.

20 These works are of a minor nature only and will not impact on any significant fabric.

New Work: New Restaurant

21 South of the east wing and east of the hexagonal wing in the south-east corner of the complex is an open yard which is presently used for casual al fresco eating. Of itself there is nothing significant about it. It is the proposed location for a new restaurant and any

Figure 2 The area where the new restaurant will be constructed. The east wall of the Governor’s House is on the right.

Figure 3 The Governor’s house and adjacent kitchen/function wing on the left. The area where the new restaurant will be constructed is on the right.



consequent alterations to existing built fabric have been discussed above. It is anticipated that the restaurant will be a function venue and will cater for large gatherings, such as weddings, in addition to typical restaurant trade.

22 Essentially there will be a new restaurant with outdoor decks, having canopies over part of them, on the south and east sides. Balustrades will be glazed. The restaurant will abut the south end of the existing east wing of the Gaol and the east wall of the Governor’s house and will project forward of these elements. Given the length of the entrance (east) wing and therefore its prominence in the approach to the complex, the new built form will remain a secondary and subservient element to the main stone wing. The setback on the south side has been determined by the setback of the existing Gaol kitchen/function wing and will essentially be the same. Given the light and transparent appearance and low height of the restaurant, the Governor’s house and adjacent kitchen/function wing, being red brick, will read as the visually strongest elements.

23 The structure will be set above ground level and the height of the actual built form will be 5.6 metres which results in an overall height which is the same height as the ridge of the existing Governor’s house and the top of the parapet of the entrance (east) wing.

24 The structure will essentially be rectangular in plan and with a gabled roof to match the gable of the Governor’s house roof and with a small skillion-roofed section. The purpose of the latter is to reduce the visual bulk of the roof and to obtain views out from inside.

25 The main restaurant roof will be clad in raised seam zinc and two flat skylights will be constructed in the north and south faces. The south and east walls will comprise mostly glazing and with a glazed highlight in the skillion section on the east elevation. The north wall which faces the northern courtyard will comprise the toilets and baby change component which will be clad in raised seam zinc, the cool room and the new Governor’s kitchen which will be clad in vertical timber cladding and the glazed entrance doors to the restaurant. The only view of these elements is from the northern courtyard.

Figure 4 Looking into the northern courtyard from the area where the new restaurant will be constructed.



New Work: New Public Entries and Vestibule

26 The area occupied by two brick cells, yards, toilets and showers will be the site of the new visitor entrance vestibule which will run east-west along the south side of the cell block and observation vestibule (panopticon) from beside the existing holding yard to the existing northern courtyard. This will provide access to the restaurant from the new Bowden Street car park through the existing service entrance timber gates and then via the northern courtyard. Car parking will be relocated from outside the east entrance wing to outside the Gaol walls and in proximity to Bowden and Edward Streets. This will improve the visibility and setting of the east entrance wing and will improve the initial visitor experience upon entry.

27 A new entrance to the cell block observation vestibule (panopticon) will be created on the south-west side and will be accessed from the new vestibule. Essentially an existing window will be converted to a two-leaf doorway. This alteration, while to original fabric, will have a minor effect on the overall significance of the Gaol and importantly will greatly improve public access to the cell blocks.

28 The concrete floor of the existing holding yard will be removed and the area roofed and converted to a new office reception area adjacent to the new entrance vestibule. This will have no appreciable effect on the heritage significance of the Gaol.

New Work: Kitchen, Larder, Store and Toilets

29 The area behind (north) the existing Governor’s house and the adjacent part of the northern courtyard will be the site for the new Governor’s kitchen, cool room and new visitor toilets which will be accessible via a ramp from the new east-west vestibule. There will be a north-south access passage between the two rear rooms of the Governor’s house, proposed to be the kitchen larder and children’s area, and the new toilets. The exterior of the west wall of the rear wing of the Governor’s house will not be obscured.

30 On the west side the toilets will abut the east side of the brick wall of the existing access passage to the existing function room and will occupy the area of the existing rear access area. This area is already somewhat discretely located from the rest of the complex, is somewhat internalised and is also a utilitarian area. There is little, if anything, of any interest in this area and building against the access passage wall is considered to be acceptable as there will be no adverse effects on the overall significance of the Gaol complex. The appearance and materials for these elements has been discussed above in relation to the restaurant.

Alterations: Existing Governor’s House

31 Presently the Governor’s House is used for café facilities which are rather rudimentary. It is proposed to create four private function rooms in the four front rooms of the house and to create a children’s area and kitchen larder in the two rear rooms. All of the chimneys will remain. This will be a great improvement in the presentation of these spaces and is appropriate.

Alterations: Overnight Accommodation

32 The entrance wing (east) comprises ten small-to-medium sized rooms which were warders’ rooms. It is proposed to convert these rooms to five guest suites and each with an individual bathroom. This will involve the demolition of some internal partition walls, which are not original, and the construction of new bathroom walls mostly replacing the existing partitions. The layout has been designed carefully so that no masonry walls or chimney breasts need to be demolished – the impact will be minimal. One parking space per suite will be provided for guests on part of the existing car park on the east side of the east



entrance wing. The accommodation is intended to be used in association with weddings but can also be used by other visitors. It will contribute to the future viability of the complex.

Parking, Driveway and Paths

33 Presently parking is on at-grade asphalt at the front of the entrance (east) wing. Parked cars obscure the front of the complex which is not desirable. Car parking, other than for the accommodation guests, will be relocated to the north and west sides, outside the Gaol walls and in proximity to Bowden and Edward Streets. This is an improvement and it will fit in with the relocated entrance via the existing service gate and then through the new vestibule to the restaurant and cell blocks.

Landscaping

34 Landscaping within the Gaol complex is either non-existent, self-sown, minimalist or amateur and lacking in any character. Surfaces are either gravel, bitumen, concrete, grass or grass and weeds. There may be elements of an earlier landscape treatment existing e.g. a mature tree.

35 The Gaol gardens were landscaped by Hugh Linaker sometime between 1912 and 1938. Linaker was employed by the Department of Mental Hygiene and was responsible for the landscaping of every lunatic asylum in Victoria. Past treatment for mental illness focussed on the calming effect of gardens and the landscape and these parts of the asylums were crucial to the care of patients. Linaker was also responsible for the landscaping around the Shrine of Remembrance, the Domain and the Pioneer Women’s Memorial and the Alexandra Gardens in Ararat. To re-landscape the complex will revive something of its former and important character.

36 It is proposed to create a treed wedding lawn in the south-east corner in association with the new restaurant. The Governor’s walking trail will be relocated as per Sheet 4 of the Landscape plan and a crushed rock path will lead to the verandah of the Governor’s house. The wedding lawn will have “natural turf terraces and garden borders with feature steps framing views to [the] town centre”. Details and sections are on Sheet 5 of the Landscape plan. Ornamental trees will be scattered across the lawn. Along the Charles Street frontage there will be lawn with garden borders. The car park along Bowden Street will have a gravel surface adjacent to the gaol wall and landscaped beyond to the site boundary. This is shown on Sheet 2 of the Landscape plan. The planting palette, a mixture of ornamental and native trees and shrubs is shown on Sheet 4 of the landscape plan.

37 The new entry courtyard, which was an exercise yard, will include trees and lawn and will also act as an outdoor entertainment area. The details are shown on Sheet 3 of the Landscape plan. Raised bluestone planters planted with ornamental deciduous trees will form a formal entrance avenue from the perimeter wall gate to the new vestibule entrance and three more will be located within the courtyard. Paving will be in limestone and there will also be some timber bench style seats variously located.

38 While providing for new activities, the landscape plan will reinstate something of a landscape character, but not necessarily the plan or specific plantings, which was established by Hugh Linaker and which is part of the history of the Castlemaine Gaol. This is considered appropriate for historical reasons and also to create a new environment commensurate with the new use for the complex.

2.4.2 Repairs and Conservation Works

39 No conservation works or repairs and maintenance replacing like-with like have been identified separately at this time as the proposed new works will incorporate these works if



required. Any conservation works or repairs and maintenance will be guided by the Technical leaflets, as appropriate, contained on the Heritage Victoria Website.

2.5 The cultural heritage significance of the place or object, including setting and any archaeological values or potential (relates to s.73(1)(a) of the Heritage Act)

2.5.1 Victorian Heritage Register

40 The Former Castlemaine Gaol at 36-48 Bowden Street Castlemaine, is included on the Victorian Heritage Register, maintained by the Victorian Heritage Council, as H 0990.

41 The existing Victorian Heritage Register Statement of Significance, last updated on 18 August 1993 reads:

HM Prison, Castlemaine was constructed of local sandstone between 1857 and 1861. It represents an important phase in the development of prison design associated with the completion of the Model Prison at Pentonville in 1842. The influence of the Pentonville plan is evident in the radial wings, central hall and exercise yard (industries building) of Castlemaine Gaol. Beechworth, Bendigo and Castlemaine were the most accurate representations in Victoria of Jebb's panopticon design.

The completion of the Castlemaine Gaol in 1861 represents an important phase of prison construction in Victoria. Between 1857 and 1864 a remarkable period of building activity saw eight prisons constructed on Pentonville principles in metropolitan and regional areas.

The HM Prison Castlemaine is an essentially intact example of a building type. The sequence of alterations, however, is of historical importance, representing the changing requirements of prison design and construction.

The H M Prison at Castlemaine is historically significant because of its ability to represent the size and status of this town which reached pre-eminence in the second half of the nineteenth century as a result of the discovery of gold.

Construction dates 1857,

Architect/Designer Vickers, Charles,

Heritage Act Categories Heritage place,

Other Names FORMER HM PRISON, OLD CASTLEMAINE GAOL,

Hermes Number 256

Property Number

Plaque Citation

Castlemaine Gaol is registered by Heritage Council Victoria

Based on the Pentonville prison model, this austere complex was constructed in 1857-1861 using locally quarried sandstone and Harcourt granite. It was built during a remarkable period in Victorian prison construction when eight prisons were built between 1857-1864.

Extent of Registration

AMENDMENT OF REGISTER OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Historic Building No. 990 Former HM Prison Gaol Hill, Castlemaine (To the extent of:

1. all the gaol buildings, known as HM Prison, Castlemaine, hatched on Plan No. 602112J endorsed by the Chairperson, Historic Buildings Council and held by the



Director, Historic Buildings Council, excluding the clothing workshop and buildings outside the original wall; and

2. all of the land marked L-1 on Plan No. 602112J endorsed by the Chairperson, Historic Buildings Council and held by the Director, Historic Buildings Council, being all of the land bounded by Edward, Bowden and Charles Streets.)

[Victoria Government Gazette No. G42 28 October 1993 p.2931]

2.5.2 Permit Exemptions

42 Presently there are no permit exemptions. The following are suggested as being appropriate:

General Conditions: 1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.

General Conditions: 2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible. Note: All archaeological places have the potential to contain significant sub-surface artefacts and other remains. In most cases it will be necessary to obtain approval from the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria before the undertaking any works that have a significant sub-surface component.

General Conditions: 3. If there is a conservation policy and plan all works shall be in accordance with it. Note: A Conservation Management Plan or a Heritage Action Plan provides guidance for the management of the heritage values associated with the site. It may not be necessary to obtain a heritage permit for certain works specified in the management plan.



General Conditions: 4. Nothing in this determination prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. General

General Conditions: 5. Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authorities where applicable.

Minor Works : Note: Any Minor Works that in the opinion of the Executive Director will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the place may be exempt from the permit requirements of the Heritage Act. A person proposing to undertake minor works must submit a proposal to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed works will not adversely affect the heritage values of the site, the applicant may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a heritage permit. If an applicant is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that the permits co-ordinator be contacted.

2.4.1 Permit Exemptions

The following works are considered to have no or minimal impacts on heritage fabric and as such are appropriate to be considered permit exempt works.

Exterior

Minor and routine repairs and maintenance which replace like with like.

Repainting of previously painted non-masonry surfaces in an appropriate colour scheme having been determined by microscopic paint analysis.

Removal of extraneous accretions such as pipe work, wiring, brackets, lights and fixings, etc. and making good.

Installation or repair of damp proofing by either injection method or grouted pocket method.

Installation, repair and replacement of flashings, gutters and downpipes in galvanised steel and in the same, or original profiles.

Regular garden maintenance, including removal or replacement of trees and shrubs and garden beds, provided that the latter are not built up against any structure.

Trenching for drainage and reticulation of services and making good.

Installation or removal of external fixtures and fittings such as lighting, hot water services and taps, air conditioning units and electrical switchboards in back-of-house areas, meters, external blinds, fly-wire and security doors and grillages.

Installation of solar panels, water tanks, aerials, antennae and the like in locations which are not visible from any principal public viewing point and which do not impact on any slate roofing.

Construction of new paths, balustrades, steps, ramps, clothes lines, garden seats, garden ornaments, garden and retaining walls which are not visible from the public realm.

Resurfacing of asphalt surfaces and the marking out of parking bays.

Removal of existing non-original external signage and erection of external free-standing, non-illuminated place identification, interpretative or directional signage.

Removal or relocation of non-original fencing (excluding masonry walls) and gates within the curtilage.



Interior

Minor and routine repairs and maintenance which replace like with like.

Painting of previously painted surfaces provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of any original paint scheme.

Installation or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings on flat floors (not stairs) provided that nothing is affixed to, i.e. is only laid on, original stone or timber surfaces.

Installation, removal or replacement of curtain tracks, rods and blinds. Also hooks and other devices for the hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall-mounted works. Removable fixings are to be located in the joints rather than in the stones or bricks.

Demolition or removal of non-original stud/partition walls, or non-original linings.

Removal or replacement of non-original doors.

Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including hinges, locks, knobsets, sash lifts and the like.

Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal, installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, fittings, partitions, mirrors, wall linings, floor coverings, cooking and kitchen equipment, sinks, troughs, benches, cupboards and the like.

Installation, removal or replacement of panel or radiant type heating and package air conditioning units, provided that the installation does not damage existing original surfaces and other architectural features.

Installation or replacement of electrical wiring provided that all new wiring is in surface–mounted conduit on stone and original brick surfaces and concealed elsewhere and original light switches, pull cords, push buttons or power outlets are retained in situ. Note: if wiring original to the place was carried in timber conduits then the conduits should remain in situ. Note: if there are original gas pipes for lighting they are to be retained.

Installation or replacement of electrical switches and power outlets on plaster surfaces or timber skirtings.

Installation or replacement of detectors, alarms, emergency lights, luminaires and the like on plaster surfaces.

Installation or replacement of electrical switchboards in back-of-house areas.

Installation of mechanical plant on the roofs or in locations which are back-of-house areas and which are not visible from the township of Castlemaine or the railway line.

Removal or replacement of non-original cupboards, shelving, and joinery units.

Installation of new built-in cupboards, shelving and joinery units provided that they are not affixed to original stone or brick surfaces.



2.5.3 Australian Heritage Database

43 The Castlemaine Gaol at 36-48 Bowden Street, Castlemaine is included on the Australian Heritage Database, formerly The Register of the National Estate. The Castlemaine Gaol was registered on 21/03/1978. (Place ID: 4192, Place File No. 2/06/092/0008). This was not a statutory list.

44 The citation reads:

Statement of Significance

The gaol is a landmark on its hilltop site and is an important part of the historic townscape of Castlemaine. The complex is substantial and is associated with the early years of the gold rush in the area. In architectural terms, The [Sic.] gaol is typical of a gaol design of the periods stylistically in an utilitarian Classical revival style. The entrance wing is unusually rudimentary.

Description

The Gaol comprises a complex of bluestone buildings constructed to the designs of the Public Works Department of Victoria, the first wing in 1857 with the additions between 1858-64. The incomplete design features single storied warden’s quarters about a gabled, central entrance. Cell blocks and a hospital radiate from a central hall and there is a wall with turrets.

Condition and Integrity

The gaol was in continued use until 1991 and is reasonably intact and in good condition. The gaol was decommissioned c. 1991.

Location

Between Charles and Edwards Streets, Gaol Hill, Castlemaine

Bibliography

Trethowan, B. ‘The Public Works Department Of Victoria, 1851-1800’. Research report, University of Melbourne, 1975.

2.5.3 National Trust of Australia (Victoria)

45 The Castlemaine Gaol at 36-48 Bowden Street, Castlemaine was classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) on 28/04/1960. This is not a statutory list.



46 The citation, last updated on April 23, 2008 reads:

Castlemaine Gaol comprises a complex of bluestone buildings constructed to the designs of the Public Works Department of Victoria, the first wing in 1857 with additions between 1858-64.

The incomplete design features single storied warden's quarters about a gabled, central entrance. Cell blocks and a hospital radiate from a central hall and there is a wall with turrets.

Castlemaine Gaol is a landmark on its hilltop site and is an important part of the historic townscape of Castlemaine. The complex is substantial and is associated with the early years of the gold rush in the area. In architectural terms, the gaol is typical of gaol design of the period, stylistically in an utilitarian Classical Revival style. The entrance wing is unusually rudimentary.

Castlemaine Gaol is reasonably intact and in good condition.

2.5.4 Heritage Overlay

47 The Castlemaine Gaol at 36-48 Bowden Street, Castlemaine is individually included in the Heritage Overlay in the Mount Alexander Shire Planning Scheme as HO600. No particular controls apply other than for Prohibited Uses May be Permitted.

Figure 3 The Heritage Overlay Map.



48 The Castlemaine Gaol was first documented in the City of Castlemaine Architectural and Historical Survey prepared by Perrott Lyon Mathieson Pty Ltd in 1979.

49 The information contains a grading of “A” and was recommended for inclusion on the Register of the National Estate but not the Historic Buildings Register. Also included is a very brief and general description which is covered by the citations above (p. or section 19) and a very brief and general comparison with the Bendigo and Beechworth Gaols (p. or section 18) and a list of works determined from the PWD Summary Contracts Book (p. or section 20).

2.6 What physical and/or visual impacts will result from the proposed works?

50 The physical impacts will be minimal and none of them will have any adverse effect on the cultural heritage significance of the Gaol complex. While the new work will be visible it will not dominate any original part or significant element of the gaol. By removing intrusive and ad hoc accretions the gaol buildings will be able to be appreciated better than they are presently.

51 . Is the registered place or object in a World Heritage Environs Area? If yes, how does the proposal affect the world heritage values of the listed place or any relevant Approved World Heritage Strategy Plan? (relates to s.73(1)(ab) of the Heritage Act)?

52 The registered place is not in a World Heritage Environs Area.

2.7 If there are detrimental impacts on the cultural heritage significance of the place or object, provide reasons why the proposal should be permitted (relates to s.73(1)(b), (e) and (f) and s.73(1A) of the Heritage Act)

53 Section 73 (e) and (f) are not applicable to this heritage place. The relevant consideration is that the Executive Director must consider:

(a) the extent to which the application, if approved, would affect the cultural heritage significance of the registered place or registered object; and

(b) the extent to which the application, if refused, would affect the reasonable or economic use of the registered place or registered object, or cause undue financial hardship to the owner in relation to that place or object.

54 It is considered that none of the changes proposed are detrimental or harmful. During the design development phase of this project there have been revisions of approach which have been directed to keeping any impacts on the significant fabric and spaces of the Castlemaine Gaol to a minimum. Some works which might be considered to be detrimental such as the creation of a new entrance to the cell block are considered to be minor, and acceptable within the complete scope of the project and in the context of the benefits it will bestow on the complex so that it has a viable future and is a valued community asset. In summary all of the works are quite positive and in accord with conservation principles set out in the Burra Charter.

2.8 If there are detrimental impacts on the cultural heritage significance of the place or object, detail alternative proposals that were considered and reasons why these were dismissed (relates to s.73(1)(b), (e) and (f) and s.73(1A) of the Heritage Act)

55 Refer above – there will be no detrimental impacts.



2.9 What measures are being proposed to avoid, limit or manage the detrimental impacts?

56 All the changes and works have been scoped in accord with Burra Charter principles and any avoidance, limiting or management of any detrimental impacts have been part of the design development.

2.10 Has the proposal been influenced by, or does it address any Local Planning Scheme or Building Act 1993 requirements? (relates to s.73(1)(f) and s.73(1A) of the Heritage Act).

57 The Castlemaine Gaol is covered by a Heritage Overlay in the Mount Alexander Shire Planning Scheme and is therefore subject to the relevant parts of Clause 15 Urban Design of the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF), the Heritage Policy at Clause 22.01 and the Heritage Overlay at Clause 43.01.

2.10.1 State Planning Policy Framework

Planning should ensure all new land use and development appropriately responds to its landscape, valued built form and cultural context, and protect places and sites with significant heritage, architectural, aesthetic, scientific and cultural value.

58 Under Clause 15 of the State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) the Objective of Urban Design (Cl. 15.01-1) is to:

To create urban environments that are safe, functional and provide good quality environments with a sense of place and cultural identity.

59 Under Urban Design Principles (Cl. 15.01-2) the Objective is to:

To achieve architectural and urban design outcomes that contribute positively to local urban character and enhance the public realm while minimising detrimental impact on neighbouring properties.

60 Included in the Strategies which follow are:

Heritage

New development should respect, but not simply copy, historic precedents and create a worthy legacy for future generations.

61 Under Cultural Identity and Neighbourhood Character (Cl. 15.01-5) the Objective is to:

To recognise and protect cultural identity, neighbourhood character and sense of place.

62 Included in the Strategies which follow are:

Ensure development responds and contributes to existing sense of place and cultural identity.

…

Ensure development responds to its context and reinforces special characteristics of local environment and place by emphasizing:

The underlying natural landscape character.

The heritage values and built form that reflect community identity.

The values, needs and aspirations of the community.



63 Under Heritage conservation (Cl. 15.03-1) the Objective is

To ensure the conservation of places of heritage significance.

64 The Strategies which follow include:

Identify, assess and document places of natural and cultural heritage significance as a basis for their inclusion in the planning scheme.

Provide for the conservation and enhancement of those places which are of, aesthetic, archaeological, architectural, cultural, scientific, or social significance, or otherwise of special cultural value.

Encourage appropriate development that respects places with identified heritage values and creates a worthy legacy for future generations.

Retain those elements that contribute to the importance of the heritage place.

Encourage the conservation and restoration of contributory elements.

Ensure an appropriate setting and context for heritage places is maintained or enhanced.

Support adaptive reuse of heritage buildings whose use has become redundant.

65 It is considered that the proposal accords entirely with these Objectives and Strategies.

2.10.2 Local Planning Policy Framework (LPFF): Heritage Policy (Clause 22.01)

66 The following parts of the Heritage Policy are applicable to this application. The Policy Basis (Cl. 22.01) states:

Mount Alexander Shire exhibits important natural and cultural heritage which is fundamental to the Shire’s character and attractiveness as a place to live, invest and visit.

These natural and cultural assets include buildings, townscapes, streetscapes, remnants of settlements, mining sites, sites of Aboriginal cultural significance, trees and significant landscapes and natural features.

This heritage is highly valued by the community and the conservation, protection and maintenance of this heritage is an important objective of Council.

This policy builds upon the objectives in Clause 21.07 relating to heritage.

67 The Objectives are:

To protect Mount Alexander’s heritage places in accordance with the accepted conservation standards of the ICOMOS Burra Charter.

To protect and conserve Mount Alexander’s natural and cultural heritage.

To protect and conserve the historic fabric and maintain the integrity of places of cultural heritage significance.

To retain significant view lines to, and vistas of, heritage places.

To preserve the scale and pattern of streetscapes in heritage places.

To recognise and respond to the values and attributes of important townscapes.



To encourage the preservation, maintenance, restoration and where appropriate, reconstruction of heritage places.

To ensure the adaptation of heritage places is consistent with the principles of good conservation practice.

To ensure that additions and new works to a heritage place respect the heritage significance of the place.

To encourage the retention of individually significant heritage places and contributory elements.

68 Included in the Policies (Cl. 22.04-3) are inter alia:

Policy Statements of significance

It is policy to:

Take into account the Statement of Significance of a heritage place when making decisions about proposed buildings and works associated with that place; and

Where there is more than one Statement of Significance adopted by the responsible authority in relation to a heritage place, give priority to the most recently adopted Statement of Significance. Demolition It is policy to:

Retain individually significant heritage places and elements that contribute to the significance of the heritage place.

Discourage the demolition of significant and contributory heritage buildings unless it can be demonstrated that:

the building is structurally unsound, and

the original fabric of the building has deteriorated to such an extent that a substantial reconstruction would be required to make the building habitable.

Allow the partial demolition of significant and contributory heritage buildings where the fabric to be demolished is of no significance, or where the demolition helps to reveal the original fabric of the building.

Allow the partial demolition of significant and contributory heritage buildings for the purpose of additions, only if the additions will not affect the heritage significance of the building and the proposed addition is sympathetic to its scale and form.

Allow the demolition of non-contributory buildings in heritage precincts.

Reconstruction and restoration

It is policy to:

Retain original fabric.

Encourage restoration of a heritage place or contributory element if evidence exists to support its accuracy.

Encourage the reconstruction of a building or works which previously existed in a heritage place if:

the reconstruction will enhance the heritage significance of the heritage place; or evidence exists to support the accuracy of the reconstruction.



Encourage the reconstruction of original or contributory elements where they have been removed.

Painting and surface treatments

It is policy to:

Encourage the removal of paint from originally unpainted masonry surfaces.

Encourage the retention of historic painted signs.

Discourage the sand blasting of render, masonry or timber surfaces and the painting of unpainted surfaces.

Encourage paint colours to be consistent with the period of the heritage place.

Discourage particularly bright or synthetic colours designed to create contrast and hence draw particular attention to a building.

New development, alterations or additions

It is policy to:

Encourage the design of new development and alterations and additions to a heritage place or a contributory element to a heritage place to:

respect the pattern, rhythm, orientation to the street, spatial characteristics, fenestration, roof form, materials and heritage character of the surrounding historic streetscape;

be articulated and massed to correspond with the prevailing building form of the heritage place or contributory elements to the heritage place;

be visually recessive and not dominate the heritage place;

be distinguishable from the original historic fabric;

not remove, cover, damage or change original historic fabric;

not obscure views of principle facades; and

consider the architectural integrity and context of the heritage place or contributory element.

Discourage elements which detract from the heritage fabric or are not contemporary with the era of the building such as unroofed or open upper level decks or balconies, reflective glass, glass balustrades and pedestrian entrance canopies.

Encourage new buildings and additions on sites with frontages to two streets, being either a corner site or a site with dual street frontages, to respect the built form and character of the heritage place and adjoining or adjacent contributory elements to the heritage place.

Encourage new buildings on corner sites to reflect the setbacks of buildings that occupy other corners of the intersection.

Encourage new upper storey additions to heritage places or contributory elements to heritage places to:

Preserve the existing roof line, chimney(s) and contributory architectural features that are essential components of the architectural character of the heritage place or contributory elements to the heritage place; and



Respect the scale and form of the heritage place or contributory elements in the heritage place by stepping down in height and setting back from the lower built forms.

Performance standards

The following performance standards apply in the application of the policy:

Setbacks from the principal street frontage should be similar to those of adjoining contributory buildings; where there are differing adjoining setbacks, the greater setback should be adopted.

Facade heights should be similar to the adjoining contributory elements in the street. Where there are differing facade heights, the design should adopt the lesser height.

Ground level additions and any higher elements should be located towards the rear of the site.

Ground level additions to contributory buildings should be sited within the ‘envelope’ created by projected sight lines (see Figure 1)

Upper level additions to heritage places should be sited within the ‘envelope’ created by projected sight lines (for contributory buildings refer to Figure 2 and for individually significant buildings refer to Figure 3).

Additions to individually significant places should, as far as possible, be concealed by existing heritage fabric when viewed from the front street and to read as secondary elements when viewed from any other adjoining street.

Particularly bright or synthetic colours designed to create contrast and hence draw particular attention to a building should not be used.

Decision guidelines

Before deciding on an application the responsible authority will consider:

Whether there should be an archival recording of the original building or fabric on the site.

The heritage significance of the place or element as cited in the relevant Statement of Significance or Building Citation.

69 In summary, the intent of the Heritage Policy is to protect Mount Alexander’s heritage places in accordance with the accepted conservation standards of the ICOMOS Burra Charter and to protect and conserve the historic fabric and maintain the integrity of places of cultural heritage significance. The proposal is in accord with these objectives.

70 Specifically in relation to this proposal, significant view lines will be retained. The new built form, by being respectful of the significance of the Gaol complex and by being only single storey, will enable the scale of the Gaol complex to be retained and to read as the dominant element. The approach to the adaptation of the former Gaol as a more developed function centre has been devised so as to be consistent with the principles of good conservation practice as espoused in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter.

71 Anything which is proposed to be demolished or altered is either not significant, is significant but the impact will be negligible and for the purpose of additions which will be sympathetic to the scale and form of the significant Gaol buildings. The new work is massed to correspond with the prevailing building form of the Gaol complex and designed



so that they will read as visually recessive elements which will not dominate the Gaol complex. Nothing significant will be removed or covered in deference to the architectural integrity and context of the site and views of the principle façade will be enhanced by relocation of car parking. Existing roof lines and chimneys will be retained.

72 Overall, by respecting heritage principles and practice from the outset there is a high degree of compliance with the Mount Alexander Shire Heritage Policy.

2.10.3 Heritage Overlay (Clause 43.01)

73 .In relation to Clause 43.01 the Heritage Overlay, the relevant decision guidelines are:

• The significance of the heritage place and whether the proposal will adversely affect the natural or cultural heritage significance of the place.

• Any applicable heritage study and any applicable conservation policy.

• Whether the location, bulk, form and appearance of the proposed building will adversely affect the significance of the heritage place.

• Whether the location, bulk, form and appearance of the proposed building is in keeping with the character and appearance of adjacent buildings and the heritage place.

• Whether the demolition, removal or external alteration will adversely affect the significance of the heritage place.

Whether the proposed sign will adversely affect the significance, character or appearance of the heritage place.

74 As is evident from the above text, the proposal will have no adverse effect on the cultural significance of the place, i.e. The Castlemaine Gaol.

2.11 Conclusion

75 From the outset the heritage significance of the Castlemaine Gaol has been at the centre of the approach to the adaptation of the former Gaol complex to a function centre. While the heritage place will undergo a degree of change, this change will not result in an adverse effect on the cultural significance of the complex. Rather the proposed works will result in a significant enhancement of a building, which is of significance to the State of Victoria, so that it has a viable future and is a valued community asset. The proposal will transform the complex from being somewhat Spartan, run-down and an under-utilised group of buildings to a complex which asserts its significance in a town which has many heritage buildings and which is of high heritage significance and which, as a consequence is highly valued by tourists and visitors. The proposal is in accord with the principles of the Burra Charter and is entirely supportable from a heritage perspective.

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