Opening of new art and design campus at Fremantle Prison

May 14, 1997

Western Australia's first women's prison has been given new life as an art and design centre for TAFE.

Housed within the walls of the Fremantle Prison, the campus includes a state of the art jewellery design workshop and facilities for textiles, painting, drawing and design.

The facility, which is part of the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE's Art and Design annexe, was officially opened today by Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes.

As the Minister responsible for Fremantle Prison, Works Minister Mike Board said it was terrific to attract new and compatible uses to the historic site while retaining the Prison's heritage significance.

"The innovative design of the new building and the sensitive adaptation of the older buildings has meant this campus is a meeting of old and new, and provides a creative space for students to learn and meet," Mr Board said.

"The new jewellery studio has been designed to distinguish it from the other prison buildings and is fully transportable in the event of the campus relocating.

"This also maintains the heritage significance of the site in accordance with the conservation plan for the Prison."

The prison annexe of the WA School of Art, Design and Multimedia was accommodated in buildings dating back to 1855 and in the adjacent Western Workshops, which were previously adapted.

The Department of Contract and Management Services (CAMS) supervised the conversion project to ensure the conservation of the buildings.

Architects Philip McAllister and Alec Whyte designed the new facilities while construction work was undertaken by Palmerston Building Company.

As Minister for Youth, Mr Board said it was exciting to see young people attend the prison annexe as part of their studies.

"There is real public presence for TAFE on site now and the centre brings youth and enthusiasm to this whole complex," he said.

"Public tours will be conducted through the area to raise the profile of this vibrant facility."

The Fremantle Prison was closed as a correctional facility in 1991, after 136 years as the State's primary place of imprisonment.

Media contact: Peter Harris (08) 9222 9211