The Minister for Corrective Services, Mark Ryan, has announced Guymer Bailey Architects as the successful Principal Consultant for the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre project near Gatton.
“I’m pleased to have Guymer Bailey Architects on board, as they have extensive experience in designing major infrastructure projects. When completed, this state-of-the-art facility will deliver approximately 1,000 beds for male prisoners. It will mean safer, less crowded, more effective prisons statewide, which will help reduce recidivism and keep communities safer.” he said.
Guymer Bailey Architects have been the lead design consultant on many of Australia’s most innovative correctional projects including the Hopkins Correctional Centre, Ravenhall Correctional Centre and Chisholm Road Prison Project.
Guymer Bailey Directors, Phil Jackson and Kavan Applegate, expressed that the team are thrilled to be working with the Queensland Government on the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.
“With the prisoner population growing across Australia, it’s vital that the current and future design of prisons have a greater focus on rehabilitation to reduce recidivism rates, we’re excited to be bringing this rehabilitative approach to the design of the new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.” Phil Jackson said.
“The physical environment of a prison influences prisoners, staff, and visitors in a myriad of ways. This leaves us as architects of correctional facilities with a great opportunity, but also a substantial responsibility.” Kavan Applegate said.
According to Minister Ryan, the $618.8 million, 1000-bed facility is a landmark infrastructure project for the Palaszczuk Government and a historic investment in security safety.
The project, which is planned for completion in 2022-23, will be led by Guymer Bailey Associate Craig Blewitt, who specialises in creating therapeutic environments that promote rehabilitation.
“The design will utilise evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism through enhanced mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services,” he said.
The new Southern Queensland Correctional Centre is the first new correctional centre built in Queensland since 2012.