Preparing for a return to community

So much of the rehabilitation process is about perspective and positivity. By reducing the contrast between inside and out, we designed the Middleton Correctional Centre to be a secure, yet welcoming environment that eases transition back into communities.

The first of its kind in the state, Middleton Correctional Centre is a 260 bed, restricted minimum security prison. A stand-alone annex to the Middleton Medium Security Prison, it includes a wide range of prisoner services, including visits centre, health facility, recreational facilities, large industry workshop and program delivery spaces designed to reacclimatise prisoners with everyday life.

Our design intent was to create a campus style facility with a focus on open, community spaces that invited possibility. Gone was the idea of long rows of cells, and prisoners each have their own small cottage. Of course, security remained front of mind, so secure perimeters, clear sight lines and easy staff access were all part of the design. At its centre, accessible to all accommodation, a large flat sporting field created a strong sense of freedom, while contributing to everyday fitness.

Despite the brand new type of facility, the biggest challenge we faced was the restrictions of the site, much of which wasn’t on flat ground. Levelling the ground took some time, but with an existing facility on one side, and an active railway line on the other, preventing disruption to trains, and securing a perimeter around construction proved tricky.

The solution was to repurpose some of the existing buildings for both prison operations, and active perimeters, while ensuring minimal obtrusive lighting at night and clear access to rail corridors.

The low security facility helps inmates in the final stages of rehabilitation prepare for a return to life outside by engaging them in a welcoming, more open community.