A proposed refurbishment of the 116 year old Dunedin Prison will provide the opportunity for people to see the inside of a cell without having to be arrested.
The former prison was bought by the Dunedin Charitable Trust in June for a mere $20,000. The prison was last home to criminals in 2007 and since then the Scotland Yard inspired building has been sitting vacant.
The trust hopes that the former prison will become a significant part of Dunedin’s historic precinct due to its location across from the Toitu Settlers Museum and the Allied Press building. English heritage adviser Sir Neil Cossons has called the building’s historical worth “outstanding”.
The initial hopes for the old lockup include plans to have tours of the cells which will be lead by historians, a space for business offices and a courtyard café which will be open to the public not just those on a tour. The idea that Critic found most exciting involves having a bar in one of the spaces. There seems to be no limit to the potential of the old jail considering the large space within the building which housed up to 75 prisoners at a time.
Small group tours of the building will contribute to the $2.6 million needed to begin the proposed work. Critic jumped the gun and had a look around the building before the tours open for the public next weekend. For a donation people will be able to wander amongst the cells of a prison that looks like it has been frozen in time. Despite not being used since 2007, half empty bottles of Jack Daniels still sit in the warden’s cupboard, the kitchen whiteboard informs us that Mr. Jack is gluten intolerant, and you will even be able to see family man David Bain’s former cell.
The tours will be run by ex-guards who are reportedly still very fond of the old prison. Tours can be booked at www.dunedinprison.co.nz and it is hoped that refurbishments will begin in just over a year.
It’s a Hard Knock Life
