Impressive plans

After visiting the site last Saturday I believe this proposal once completed will reinvigorate Berrima & save the historic gaol from disintegration

I am very concerned about the proposal as follows:
I believe that is it will affect the village in a negative way for its residents by bringing in huge crowds with its function centre and hotel. The noise factor that a function centre would attract, which doesn't seem to have been addressed properly is a grave concern.
The hotel, which is located on the exterior of the site is too numerous and will take away from the historical wall of the prison. I believe it will also affect the river below where the platypus dwell.
The whole thing smacks of unfairness and I wonder how it was allowed to be purchased for only 7 million dollars and how it has been allowed to progress in the way it has. Very disappointing. I also object to the constant referral of "community" in the submission. This is a profit making enterprise and not something for the community. As a community member, I find this offensive.

To whom it may concern, I write to protect the heritage fabric of Berrima Gaol, this historic place and strongly object to cutting a huge hole in the front wall, for an outside restaurant, excavation to build a large multi level car park (right behind local homes) and construction of ‘townhouse’ like accommodation along the river. I object to hosting large noisy functions including weddings and wedding receptions.
This proposal would drastically affect the local village atmosphere, its sleepy historic attractiveness and greatly disturb the local way of life.
People live here because they love the history, nature, peace and solitude, and it’s sad to see, in such a large country, such disrespect, if this were allowed. I respectfully request consideration of environmental issues, including the avoidance of noise and disturbance in a residential area, the indigenous factor (as just outside the gaol walls there is evidence of a historic burial site), the protection of local platypus in the river, and strongly object to the idea of having weddings and functions late in the evening and night-time disturbing residents, the out-of scale plans for a 3 story car park (in an historic village), and the demarcation of the riperian zones and flood zone areas. All of these factors must be addressed sensitively by the developer and serious consideration given by National Trust NSW and Heritage NSW. The decision makers must, above all else, do everything possible to protect the heritage fabric of the gaol with no exceptions, the environment, the local village character, peace and amenity of the existing residents. The Burra Charter states "to do as much as necessary but as little as possible" with regard to heritage places. The Burra Charter advocates a cautious approach to change: do as much as necessary to care for the place and to make it useable, but otherwise change it as little as possible so that its cultural significance is retained.

I strongly object to this proposal.

To the attention of Fadi Shakir
Dear sir
My name is Vitek Czernuszyn
I live at 39 Oxley St Berrima
I write to you to vehemently oppose the proposed development of the Berrima jail.
Applicant number SSD6687472

I have to begin by voicing my amazement that anyone would so blatantly show absolute disregard for some of the burning issues around this development.
The physical desecration of this historic site, by cutting into convict built walls, building obliterating structures all around it, and subterranean excavation of a car park - just the name a few, shows to what degree the developers are completely ignoring its heritage importance.
This is a major part of Australian history that’s about to be destroyed, and by changing the name to Berrima Quarters, it will be permanently expunged from the memory of future generations

The fact that they are excavating below the water line to build the car park in areas that previously had Iberian zoning, completely ignoring the impact that this will have on surrounding wildlife, shows equal disregard to any environmental issues.
The Wingecarribee river is recognised as a truly significant protected habitat for several species, including the platypus.
Doesn’t that mean anything?

My third objection, though I have many more, is that the precedent of three story structures will mean that other developers can do likewise thereby totally altering the spirit of this village. Surely in an age of rapid development a historic gem like Berrima Village should be protected- there are not many left.
I am by no means opposed to the re-usage of the jail. But it should be done with genuine regard, not just for the structure itself, but also for the expectation of the community that lives around it – and that’s not just Berrima or even the southern Highlands, t’s every person that cares about our history.
How can you allow this ?
Vitek Czernuszyn

I wish to formally express my strong objection to the proposed construction of a new hotel in Berrima. Berrima is a historic village, and all previous developments have been undertaken in accordance with strict heritage guidelines. The proposed hotel, which is to be attached to the old prison, appears inconsistent with these guidelines. Its construction would significantly alter the character and aesthetic of the village, set a concerning precedent for future developments, and compromise the historical integrity that defines Berrima.
I believe there are alternative ways to conserve and repurpose the historic gaol without attaching a modern commercial structure that diminishes its heritage value.
In addition, I am deeply concerned about the environmental impact this project may have on the local ecosystem along the riverbank. This area is home to a variety of native species, including platypus, water dragons, and numerous other forms of wildlife. The platypus, which is classified as a threatened species in Australia, relies on this habitat for breeding and survival. It is imperative that this sensitive environment not be disrupted or destroyed for commercial gain.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge that the proposal be reconsidered to ensure both the preservation of Berrima’s unique heritage and the protection of its natural environment.

I object to the proposal insofar as the development is designed primarily as a 60-suite luxury visitor hotel and event complex, rather than being structured as a development that genuinely serves the local community of Berrima and Southern Highlands region.

There is little in the design package that ensures affordable access, local-use spaces, or community integration. The rhetoric of “high quality” and “wedding/event venue” suggests exclusivity, rather than inclusive community access and the public domain spaces aren't considerate of community needs, they are instead features of the 'high end' accommodation that won't add value to the every day needs of the community. A 60-suite hotel plus signature restaurant/bar and event/wedding spaces/spa is purely targeted at overnight tourists and high‐end functions and completely ignores the needs of local families, residents and everyday community needs.

I object further to the architectural/design aspects of the proposal which state a 60-suite accommodation building of two and three-storey sections, located outside the historic gaol walls, with a resort/hospitality aesthetic. Whilst the applicant claims the building will be ‘sympathetic to the local heritage context’, the publicly available documentation does not provide sufficient detail to verify that façade materials, glazing, metal elements and massing will genuinely integrate with the sandstone village and the rural setting. They in fact propose stark contrasts to the historic materials, suggesting modern construction methods and materials in stead of traditional methods and materials. Not to mention the car park will be straight off the main street and a major eyesore to the nature currently there. The proposed building is of a scale and style that risks becoming an eyesore in the historic village of Berrima and undermining the character and heritage value of the precinct.

I ask that the Department require more rigorous conditions/guarantees around materials, scale, view analyses etc - and require a binding community access and usage plan as a condition of consent to ensure that the development genuinely reflects and supports the local village character rather than just being a destination hotel for visitors.