Dunedin Prison Trust chairwoman Virginia Nicholls said the trust had started restorations to return the Dunedin Gaol’s central courtyard to its original design.
The space that would be created would provide "a significant opportunity" in the centre of Dunedin to hold theatre and musical productions, concerts, night markets, pop-up cafes and restaurants, corporate events, movie nights and even wedding functions, she said.
The city has long been looking for a smaller venue to hold concert and theatre performances, and she said this might fill the void.
She said the stage 3 project involved removing the 1950s buildings and structures, including a remaining section of an original partition wall from the area.
"This is the first step to return the building’s courtyard layout to its first few decades of operation, by removing modern additions and a remnant section of wall, which will focus the attention on the building’s significant architectural value as a Victorian courtyard prison."
The clearing out of the courtyard was the first of four parts of the stage 3 restoration works, she said.
Future work included the removal of intrusive infill grates, aluminium windows and wall panelling materials from the gallery arches surrounding the courtyard.
The main front entry into the courtyard would also be remodelled to give direct access to the courtyard, along with wheelchair access from the south carpark.
The final stage would be the installation of a translucent covered or glazed roof, which would provide full weather protection in the courtyard, she said.
"Opening up the courtyard is seen by the trust as a key element of adaptation of the jail, for greater community access, to provide more events space, and for the potential to attract more tenants to the building."
Stage 1 and 2 had cost about $1.3 million so far, and stage 3 had cost $119,000 so far.
However, it was not yet known how much stage 3 would cost in total, she said.
The project was hoped to be completed within the next four-five years.
The former jail is a category 1-listed Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) building.
HNZPT Otago-Southland area manager Sarah Gallagher said the Crown entity was pleased to support the adaptive reuse of the Dunedin Gaol, which would give the community new ways to experience and appreciate the "important historic site".
"The central courtyard plays a vital role in the Dunedin Gaol’s story, and the trust’s interpretation plan will share these histories with care and respect.
"We recognise the Gaol’s past holds difficult and often painful stories, and the interpretation will thoughtfully acknowledge these experiences while honouring the site’s significance."
The trust continues to provide guided tours for visitors, tourists and community groups.
