Mode Codd Stenders - Corrections, Prison and Justice Architect

Project Overview
Queensland Corrective Services and Project Services undertook a competitive process of principal and specialist consultant selection, following which the SEDA partner firms were appointed by the State to undertake masterplanning, brief preparation and schematic design stages.

The State has selected Thiess Pty Ltd as preferred Managing Contractor with consultant novation during the design development stage to prepare a Guaranteed Construction Sum. Currently the consultants are completing design development and undertaking documentation for construction. Early construction work has commenced on site.

The Lotus Glen site is located 23 km south west of Mareeba, North Queensland. The existing Men’s Correctional centre, originally built in 1988/89, with subsequent additions, has a current capacity of 396 cells and bedrooms.  A prison farm is located approximately 800 m to the east-south east of the Correctional Centre. The brief required the addition of 300 new cells in 50 cell wing configuration and substantial modification of existing cell blocks to meet current practice and standards.

Substantial additions and modification of prison infrastructure were also required, including a new Gatehouse, Prisoner Reception and Processing Centre, new Programs Area, new Central Kitchen, modified and expanded Medical Centre, modified and extended Visits Centre, new Sport Hall, new Industry Area and mesh enclosure of all existing and new walkway systems.

In addition to the above facilities contained within an expanded secure perimeter, there was a requirement to add a new external Visitor Processing Building, a new and enlarged Dog Squad Facility and new visitor and staff parking areas to achieve a higher level of separation and to provide a more logical and direct route for visitor entry. The program also envisages the addition of 24 bedroom capacity accommodation at the Prison Farm and demolition of temporary buildings. A review and upgrade of existing services was required including water, effluent and power. Consideration of ESD issues was included and a central air-conditioning plant was to be considered for new and upgraded areas.

Special Issues

Even though the Lotus Glen site is extensive, considerable investigations and analyses were required to determine a suitable expansion zone, particularly one that would offer the potential to build onto existing facilities zones and systems. Constraints such as deep creek ravines, geotechnical problems and extensive fill requirements, as well as a high-tension powerline limited choice and determined the logical expansion zone.