The Category 1 heritage listed building is owned by the Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust which is preserving the building for adaptive re-use. Dunedin Prison is recognised internationally as a rare example of a purpose-built courtyard prison. The building was designed by John Campbell, Government Architect and completed in 1896. The old Prison operate as both a men’s and women’s prison until 2007 w
hen all prison services were shifted to the new Otago Corrections Facility near Milton (Ph. 03 417 9300). The Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust was formed in 2011 by concerned citizens keen that the beautiful heritage building should be saved and converted into a commercially viable visitor experience. The building contains some 56 cells, and has 550 sq m of Commercial Office Space to let facing Castle Street. Heritage NZ Category 1 Listed building classification in view of its historical significance and rarity. A Conservation Plan was completed in 2014 which will guide us through the restoration and conservation of this building and the roofing over, and conversion of its stunning courtyard into a restaurant and functions space. In 2015/16 the Trust secured funding of over $550,000 for Stage 1 restoration Works to the roof and front facade of the Administration Block.
