FORMER BENDIGO GAOL
10-20 GAOL ROAD BENDIGO, GREATER BENDIGO CITY
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
Bendigo Prison Complex was built as Sandhurst Gaol in 1861-64 on a hill overlooking the town. Designed on the panopticon principle by Samuel Wright and C.G. Ross of Victoria's Public Works Department, the prison retains the major fabric of its two original cell wings, central hall, and external wall, residences and towers, although some integrity has been lost by the construction of modern buildings within its former yards. Original cell wings and gateways were built using Harcourt granite in striking contrast to the walls and quarters which were made of red brick with granite footings. The essential architectural character of the building is generally classical, with walls and towers resembling the embattlements of a medieval castle. The gaol originally housed up to eighty male and female prisoners, but after 1896 all female prisoners were transferred to Pentridge Prison in Melbourne. Apart from an interlude in 1939-53 when the prison was used as a military detention centre, it has been in continuous use as a gaol since completion in 1864. After renovations in 1953 the complex reopened in 1954 as a modern training prison. The original chapel and administration wing were destroyed by fire in 1959 and rebuilt in a modern manner. Post 1958 additions include a visitor's centre and a number of workshops for the use of prisoners as well as a large industries building outside the main walls to the north east.
How is it significant?
Bendigo Prison complex is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
HM Prison Bendigo is of historical significance as an example of a regional gaol built in Victoria during the mid nineteenth century according to the latest British concept of prison design which involved the radiating 'panopticon' principle that was a notable success at the Pentonville Model Prison (1842) and elsewhere. Originally conceived by the utilitarian philosopher and economist Jeremy Bentham, panopticon prisons had cells in wings or arms projecting from a central hall where a small number of guards could watch over the whole establishment.
HM Prison Bendigo is of historical significance as a place of execution. A gallows was erected in one of the cell wings in June 1876 and three prisoners hanged between November 1885 and September 1897 were buried in the grounds.
HM Prison Bendigo is also of historical significance due to its usage as a detention centre during the Second World War for military personnel who had committed various offences including absence without leave.
HM Prison Bendigo is of historical significance as one of Victoria's earliest gaols and as the oldest operating gaol in the State. It is also of historical significance for its potential to illustrate mid nineteenth century attitudes in Victoria to criminals and incarceration. Although sewerage, heating, and other services have been provided to individual cells in recent years, the cramped nature of the building's accommodation and the uncompromising nature of its materials are evidence of the severity of prison conditions when the building was constructed, and for much of its history.
HM Prison Bendigo is of architectural significance as a representative and largely intact example of the Pentonville prison model in Australia. Although the complex is stylistically similar to eight other contemporary gaols in Victoria, it is architecturally important for its unusual clarity of layout, the integrity of its cell wing interiors, the intimacy of scale of the cell block as a whole, and the striking character imparted by the Harcourt Granite used for the exteriors of the cell wings.
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FORMER BENDIGO GAOL - Permit Exemptions
General Exemptions:General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.Places of worship: In some circumstances, you can alter a place of worship to accommodate religious practices without a permit, but you must notify the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria before you start the works or activities at least 20 business days before the works or activities are to commence.Subdivision/consolidation: Permit exemptions exist for some subdivisions and consolidations. If the subdivision or consolidation is in accordance with a planning permit granted under Part 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the application for the planning permit was referred to the Executive Director of Heritage Victoria as a determining referral authority, a permit is not required.Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions. Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.Specific Exemptions: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 endorsed by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it. Note: The existence of a Conservation Management Plan or a Heritage Action Plan endorsed by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria 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 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.Regular Site Maintenance :
The following site maintenance works are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995,
a) regular site maintenance provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits;
b) the maintenance of an item to retain its conditions or operation without the removal of or damage to the existing fabric or the introduction of new materials;
c) cleaning including the removal of surface deposits, organic growths, or graffiti by the use of low pressure water and natural detergents and mild brushing and scrubbing;
d) repairs, conservation and maintenance to plaques, memorials, roads and paths, fences and gates and drainage and irrigation.
e) the replacement of existing services such as cabling, plumbing, wiring and fire services that uses existing routes, conduits or voids, and does not involve damage to or the removal of significant fabric. Note: Surface patina which has developed on the fabric may be an important part of the item?s significance and if so needs to be preserved during maintenance and cleaning. Note: Any new materials used for repair must not exacerbate the decay of existing fabric due to chemical incompatibility, obscure existing fabric or limit access to existing fabric for future maintenance. Repair must maximise protection and retention of fabric and include the conservation of existing details or elements.Vermin Control:
The following vermin control activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) Vermin control activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground features or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; Note: Particular care must be taken with vermin control works where such activities may have a detrimental affect on the significant fabric of a placePublic Safety and Security:
The following public safety and security activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) public safety and security activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground structures or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) the erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or secure public safety which will not adversely affect significant fabric of the place including archaeological features; c) development including emergency stabilisation necessary to secure safety where a site feature has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and represents a safety risk to its users or the public. Note: Urgent or emergency site works are to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified specialist such as a structural engineer, or other heritage professional.Signage and Site Interpretation:
The following Signage and Site Interpretation activities are permit exempt under section 66 of the Heritage Act 1995, a) signage and site interpretation activities provided the works do not involve the removal or destruction of any significant above-ground structures or sub-surface archaeological artefacts or deposits; b) the erection of non-illuminated signage for the purpose of ensuring public safety or to assist in the interpretation of the heritage significance of the place or object and which will not adversely affect significant fabric including landscape or archaeological features of the place or obstruct significant views of and from heritage values or items; c) signage and site interpretation products must be located and be of a suitable size so as not to obscure or damage significant fabric of the place; d) signage and site interpretation products must be able to be later removed without causing damage to the significant fabric of the place; Note: The development of signage and site interpretation products must be consistent in the use of format, text, logos, themes and other display materials. Note: Where possible, the signage and interpretation material should be consistent with other schemes developed on similar or associated sites. It may be necessary to consult with land managers and other stakeholders concerning existing schemes and strategies for signage and site interpretation.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 may 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.Landscape:
· The process of gardening and maintenance, mowing, hedge clipping, bedding displays, removal of dead plants, disease and weed control, emergency and safety works to care for existing plants and planting themes.
· Removal of vegetation that is not significant to maintain fire safety and to conserve significant buildings and structures.
· The replanting of plant species to conserve the landscape character and plant collections and themes.
· Repairs, conservation and maintenance to hard landscape elements, buildings, structures, ornaments, roads and paths, drainage and irrigation system.
· Management of trees in accordance with Australian Standard; Pruning of amenity trees AS4373.
· Removal of plants listed as noxious weeds in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
· Installation, removal or replacement of garden watering and drainage systems.
· Non-structural works that occur at a distance greater than 5 metres from the canopy edge of a significant tree, plant or hedge, (structural works may require a permit if still on the registered land).
· Non-commercial signage, lighting, security fire safety and other safety requirements, provided no structural building occurs.
· Plant labelling and interpretative signage.
Resurfacing of existing paths and driveways.Painting
Painting will not require permit approval if the painting and preparation:
a) does not involve the disturbance or removal of earlier paint layers or evidence of earlier paint layers;
b) involves over-coating with an appropriate surface as an isolating layer to provide a means of protection for significant earlier layers or to provide a stable basis for repainting;
c) employs the same colour scheme and paint type as an earlier scheme if they are appropriate to the substrate and do not endanger the survival of earlier paint layers.
d) does not remove evidence of any earlier decorative scheme.If the painting employs a different colour scheme and paint type from an earlier scheme a permit will not be required if
a) the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed colour scheme, paint type, details of surface preparation and paint removal will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the item;
b) the person proposing to undertake the painting has received a notice advising that the Executive Director is satisfied.
If the painting employs a different colour scheme and paint type from an earlier scheme a permit will not be required if
a) the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed colour scheme, paint type, details of surface preparation and paint removal will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the item;
b) the person proposing to undertake the painting has received a notice advising that the Executive Director is satisfied. Any proposal to undertake such work should be submitted to the Executive Director, detailing the proposed colour scheme, paint type, details of surface preparation and paint removal involved in the repainting, for approval.Other Works:
· Repair and servicing of equipment and services including wiring, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and fire services
· Maintenance of power or pipelines or other public services located on the property where this involves no alteration to the fabric of the place
· Cleaning out gutters, drainage systems and other water storage and drainage areas.
· Removal but replacement of post nineteenth century pipes, cabling, wiring and conduit but not roof plumbing, rainwater heads or downpipes.
· Removal of paint from originally unpainted or oiled joinery doors, architraves, skirtings and decorative strapping.
· Installation, removal or replacement of curtain track, rods, blinds, and other window dressings.
· Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devices for hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted artworks.
· Alterations to toilets and kitchen to the extent of new fittings and surfaces which are required to meet health and safety regulations
· Refurbishment of existing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens including removal, installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associated piping, mirrors, wall and floor coverings.
· Removal, replacement or installation of smoke detectors, insulation, electrical wiring provided that all new wiring is concealed and all original light switches or power outlets and timber conduits (if still existing) are retained in situ.
· Removal of extraneous items such as external lighting, air conditioners, pipe work, ducting, flues, wiring, antennae, aerials, fly screens, louvres etc, and making good.
· Installation or removal of external fixtures and fittings such as, hot water services and taps.
· Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.
· Demolition or removal of non-original stud/partition walls, suspended ceilings or non-original wall linings (including plasterboard, laminate and Masonite), bathroom partitions and tiling, sanitary fixtures and fittings, kitchen wall tiling and equipment, lights, built-in cupboards, cubicle partitions, computer and office fitout and the like.
· Removal or replacement of non-original door and window furniture including, hinges, locks, knobsets and sash lifts.
· Removal of tiling or concrete slabs in wet areas provided there is no damage to or alteration of original structure or fabric.
· Installation, removal or replacement of ducted, hydronic or concealed radiant type heating provided that the installation does not damage existing skirtings and architraves and that the central plant is concealed.
· Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring.
· Installation, removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems, detectors, alarms, emergency lights, exit signs, luminaires and the like on plaster surfaces.
· Installation, removal or replacement of bulk insulation in roof spaces.
· Installation of plant within the roof spaces.
· Installation of new fire hydrant services including sprinklers, fire doors and elements affixed to plaster surfaces.
· The removal and internal modification but not additions to the Industries building, outside the walls of the prison, to the north east on Park road .
FORMER BENDIGO GAOL - Permit Exemption Policy
The purpose of the permit exemptions is to allow works that do not impact on the significance of the heritage place to occur without the need for a permit. Works other than those mentioned in the permit exemptions may be possible but will require either the written approval of the Executive Director or permit approval. The purpose of the Permit Policy is as a guide only in assisting when considering or making decisions regarding works to the place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to them being undertaken or a permit is applied for.
HM Prison Bendigo is significant in demonstrating the form and function of a 19th century prison. The place is of importance due to the layout of the specified buildings, walls and features, their forms and their relationship to each other and the outside world. The buildings built in the nineteenth century form the core of the prison and while later additions to the place demonstrate the evolution of prisons in Victoria in the twentieth century most are not considered to be of great significance and if not otherwise stated may be removed with approval from the Executive Director.
The removal or alteration of fabric and buildings not included in the extent of registration is possible subject to the Executive Director's approval and to the full recording of the buildings to the satisfaction of the Executive Director should it be required. Replacement of, or additions to, these buildings will require a permit.
The Industries building outside the walls of the prison, to the north east on Park road, may be removed but not modified or added to subject to full recording to the satisfaction of the Executive Director.
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Tours involving this place See all tours
16/12/11
White Hills Botanic Gardens - Chinese Brick Walls - White Hills Cemetery - Bendigo Chinese Temple - Former Supreme Court - Bendigo Town Hall - Bendigo Pottery - Former Kahland Winery & Cellars - Central Deborah Gold Mine - Beaurepaire Motor Garage - Hm Prison Bendigo - Specimen Cottage
Public contributions
Tours involving this place See all tours
16/12/11
White Hills Botanic Gardens - Chinese Brick Walls - White Hills Cemetery - Bendigo Chinese Temple - Former Supreme Court - Bendigo Town Hall - Bendigo Pottery - Former Kahland Winery & Cellars - Central Deborah Gold Mine - Beaurepaire Motor Garage - Hm Prison Bendigo - Specimen Cottage