The Gaol had been operating for 110 years when it closed in 2007. There were many significant milestones during this time.
1892
1892
Gaol design completed by Chief Government Architect John Campbell. Designed in four central blocks surrounding a central courtyard, and built to accommodate 72 men and 20 women.
1895-1898
1895-1898
Gaol constructed.
1898
1898
Gaol opened - Dunedin's fourth gaol since the 1840s
1915-1959
1915-1959
Due to staff shortages, Police relocated from neighbouring police barracks into the Gaol’s administration block. Police looked after prisoners as well as their own policing duties.
1959-1974
1959-1974
34 female maximum security prisoners are accommodated at the Gaol.
1975-1994
1975-1994
Dunedin Prison for Women closed at end May 1974. Dunedin Prison reopened as a remand and short sentence male institution.
1994-2000
1994-2000
Police move out to their new premises.
2007
2007
Gaol was decommissioned. Department of Corrections operations relocated to Milburn.
2010
2010
Dunedin Prison Charitable Trust (the Trust) formed to secure and preserve the Gaol.
2012
2012
Trust raises $50,000 to purchase the Gaol from Ngai Tahu Property Ltd.
2014
2014
Betteridge conservation plan completed.
2015
2015
Fundraising began for Stage 1 Restoration to restore the exterior facades and repair part of the slate roof (estimated cost: over $550,000).
2017
2017
Stage 1 Restoration completed.
2020
2020
Stage 2 restoration for Gaol began after raising more than $750,000.
Works included the roof replacement and exterior refurbishment, construction of two replica gate pillars and exterior lighting at the front of the Gaol.
2022
2022
Stage 2 restoration completed.
Interpretation plan completed.
Investigations begin on the Stage 3 Restoration of the Gaol's internal courtyard
