Community members are up in arms over the potential sale of Berrima Gaol.
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Related: Berrima Gaol goes on the market
It was previously announced by the NSW Government that the former correctional centre had been listed for sale via an expression of interest campaign on October 18.
President of the Berrima Community Association Eric Savage said the closure of the Berrima Gaol was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an exciting legacy that was respectful of its past and a lasting benefit to the community but was disappointed that residents had not been consulted.
"Berrima Gaol is an iconic building that is listed on the NSW Heritage Inventory as an item of State significance. During its 182 year history it has many stories to tell," he said.
"The Berrima community has an intense interest in the future of the gaol and is asking the NSW Government to engage with the many stakeholders in the Southern Highlands in deciding how the building can be re-purposed to become an important social and economic asset for benefit of the Southern Highlands, and indeed for NSW, for generations to come."
"We want to see investment into the site that creates new local businesses, sustainable jobs and stimulates tourism in the shire delivered through a boutique heritage development."
Mr Savage said the Berrima Residents Association was open to working with creative entrepreneurs to develop a re-purposed proposal that captured the vitality of the site, respected its history and was the best possible 'fit' with the colonial profile of Berrima village.
"An expression of interest from the community is not out of the question," he said.
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"If a developer puts in plans to build luxury housing or hotel development, for example, the NSW Government could declare the project 'of state significance' and override the council's strategic plans for the site, ignore the community and approve the development.
"The community should not be side-lined by the government in this process just to cash in on a quick sale of this historic piece of public property."
Independent council candidate Rachel Russell was also concerned over the lack of community consultation and transparency.
"When I was running for council I listened to the community's excitement and ideas about their potential role in the future of this cultural heritage icon," she said.
"I also heard this shire is in need of community infrastructure.
"The state government seems hell-bent on a quick sale, which runs rough-shod over the wishes of the local community."
Ms Russell said the community were led to believe they would be consulted.
"Even if it is to be sold, it's highly problematic for the gaol to be going out for expressions of interest before the council has the opportunity to put in place key planning points to guide any expressions of interest," she said.
"We are sick and tired of politicians not representing the community. We want the Minister to pause the sale proceedings and engage in genuine and meaningful consultation with the community."
A Wingecarribee Shire Council spokesperson said the council had received word earlier in the year from PropertyNSW that it was their intention to sell the property by an expression of interest.
"There was no set date," they said.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman previously said the gaol was retired last year as it was no longer fit-for-purpose and surplus to Corrective Services' requirements.
"This unused state heritage-listed site has great potential to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes for the community," she said.
"This is a rare opportunity to express an interest in a 1.9-hectare site that's rich in history, stories and heritage charm in the heart of the bustling township of Berrima."
Colliers real estate agent Nick Estephen said they had received more than 150 offers for Berrima Gaol.
Mr Estephen said the majority of the offers have come from the hospitality, lifestyle and recreational, retail and accommodation and residential investors.
"Pretty much every sector," he said.
For anyone who is interested in purchasing the building, Mr Estephen said money wasn't the only thing considered.
"The asking price is the hardest thing," he said.
"However price is not the only thing being considered in this tender. The government will also consider the end use and what the future intentions are for the site."
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey was contacted for comment.
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