Bimberi Youth Justice Centre accommodates up to 40 children and young people who have been remanded and sentenced to a period of detention. It accommodates both male and female children and young people in the age range 10 to 18 years.

Bimberi replaced an existing youth justice facility which did not meet contemporary requirements for safe, secure and humane containment of young people. The project was an opportunity to provide a built facility which supports young people, their families and the community in a positive, normalised environment.

The design solution was informed by ongoing consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, both internal user groups and external parties with an interest in the design and operation of the Centre.  This included government agencies, local community groups and indigenous representatives.

Bimberi is planned as a small town or village, an assembly of small scale buildings forming a campus-style environment. Variation in the colour and texture of materials enhances the visual integration of the Centre into the broader landscape. The scale and proportion of buildings in relation to open spaces ensures a sense of openness across the site and optimises sun penetration. Articulation and variety of roof forms contribute to creating a non-institutional character.

The masterplan is organised around a “town square” and the education facility is likewise arranged around a courtyard. This strategy is in recognition of the community and social importance of meeting spaces, and that many people feel more comfortable in outdoor settings. The landscape design of the Centre is integrated with the site layout, to create an external environment with a high level of amenity in harmony with operational requirements.