I wish to make an objection to an element of this project.
While I believe that the project is positive in that it will allow for preservation and conservation of the existing heritage structures, I do NOT believe it is appropriate to make a new entrance in the eastern wall of the former Berrima Gaol to allow for entry to the proposed new restaurant. The eastern wall is the location of the existing main entrance to the gaol itself. The proposal involves removing the existing materials of a state heritage listed structure, being the stone wall, to make a new opening. Although, as noted in the Heritage Impact Statement, the stone will be retained and could be used to rebuild the wall if required (in line with the Burra Charter), I do not think that this is the best solution.
The front of the State Heritage listed Berrima Gaol should retain its existing appearance. The existing main entry should be the only entry that is visible from the front view.
I appreciate that options for the additional opening have been considered. However, if it really is considered necessary to include another entry to the proposed restaurant, the southern wall would be the most appropriate location. The fact that, in this location, the entry will be from the proposed carpark, should not reduce the amenity of the new facility (see HIS, p. 80), if it is done appropriately.
If this is not considered to be feasible, I don't believe that it is essential to have another entry, as the existing front entry would suffice for those going to the restaurant.

Caroline Cosgrove
Heritage Consultant

As a long term resident of Berrima as well as a one time small business owner in the town, I am passionate about our village. Despite only being 1.5 hours from Sydney, we are unique in this little community that is a fine example of preserved Georgian architecture, rich in history. We attract visitors due to the nature of our historical buildings, the businesses and homes that form a part of this history and truly compliment it. A significant part of this history is the Berrima Gaol. May I say that I am in no way opposed to its re-development, I believe it could truly enhance the atmosphere of the village, however the current proposal by Blue Sox would totally destroy the character and beauty of our village.
My objections to this proposal start with the ugly block of 49 hotel rooms that are to be built outside the western wall, obscuring the western wall of the gaol to cash in on the 'river views'.

I am also strongly opposed to the developer wanting to cut a hole in the wall to 'activate' the gaol. This is a significant heritage building and should not be allowed.

Thirdly the scale of the development, a restaurant for 140 people, a function centre for 300, and a car park for 195 cars would totally transform the village into a corporate events space. I believe retailers will lose business as visitors to the Gaol re-development would be brought in to this precinct and not visit the mainstreet retailers, restaurants or cafes. One only has to look at what has happened to parts of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley to see the effect of this type of tourism.

We only get one chance to preserve our history, please consider our objections and allow for a more sympathetic development to enhance rather than destroy our town.

I consider that this project per the DA that has been lodged would be an excellent addition to the Southern Highlands.
Berrima needs this style of infrastructure that encourages tourism whilst providing an excellent 'state of the art' venue for local residents.

I support the proposed hotel on the Berrima gaol site. There are heaps of great examples around the world of gaols being adaptively reused, like Melbourne’s Pentridge Prison, where a hotel helps keep the whole project financially sustainable and preserves the heritage fabric. Adding a hotel here would do the same — creating local jobs, boosting tourism, and turning the site into a destination with genuine national appeal.

The proposal provides a viable solution to maintain the heritage value of Berrima Gaol and provides valuable support to the viability of the community.

I feel strongly that the project proposal as it stands will have a significant negative impact the character of Berrima Village and believe that this proposal is in direct contravention of Wingecarribee Shire Council's own Berrima Development Control Plan which states on page 14:

“A2.2 Objectives of this Plan
This section lists those objectives which guide the Plan as a whole. They should be read in conjunction with the specific objectives which apply to individual types of development and precincts. The general objectives of the plan are as follows:
a) Preserve the character of Berrima Village as being a largely intact nineteenth century village, predominantly Georgian in character, with modest scaled buildings set in a mature landscape setting.
c) Maintain and enhance the existing visual, built and landscape character of Berrima Village.
e) Protect and conserve buildings, structures or places of environmental heritage and/ or visual importance.

I am very concerned, and quite disgusted, that the majority of Councillors of Wingecarribee Shire Council are ignoring the Berrima Development Control Plan and are instead pursuing an agenda that is extremely damaging to the character of Berrima Village. I feel that the Council's own Councillors have clearly shown that they do not have the best interest of Berrima Village at heart and cannot be trusted and relied upon to act in a fair and reasonable way to preserve the unique nature of Berrima Village.

An impartial, unbiased, reasonable judgement is required for this project proposal that considers ultimately what is best for Berrima Village.

I think the Berrima Hotel is a great idea which will help support the local community and tourism.

Excellent with well designed buildings considerate of heritage and the environment.

Please see attached letter