As the Architect for the Northern Pathways consortium, our role extended from brief development, master planning and concept design to post completion for this new greenfield correctional complex.

Clarence Correctional Centre is a 1,700 bed multi-cohort (multi-classification) facility, accommodating a broad range of inmates within two secure perimeters. The Maximum Security facility, provides space for 1,000 male and 300 female inmates, including remanded and sentenced, high needs and protection. The Minimum Security facility is intended to service 400 male inmates.

The innovative masterplan design provides physical and visual separation between all three primary cohorts. There is a complete range of support facilities as required for a regional facility. Recognising the specific needs of male and female inmates, the design incorporates these dedicated support facilities for each Centre. The design vision recognises that the physical environment affects the way people feel and behave, and that connection with the natural environment contributes to well-being.

The site masterplan concept draws inspiration from a painting by local indigenous artist, Anthony Flanders. The painting represents local groups of indigenous people, and their relationship to one another in the Northern Rivers country, where the rivers form lines of separation. The concept was validated during the design process through analysis of the Lavadia site and environs, and in the development of operational principles for the Complex. The architectural and landscape elements of the design have been developed in partnership to create a holistic design solution, engendering a positive culture with embedded opportunities for connection to the natural environment.

The metaphor of a river as both separation and connection for groups of people is woven through the design, from the broad masterplan and landscape concept, to the site layout of local neighbourhoods within each of the Correctional Centres and in building design concepts.