Kalgoorlie prison had passed its expiry date, the premises had become rundown and uninhabitable. The Eastern Goldfields Regional Prison (EGRP) redevelopment project comprised of a new 350 bed multi security level prison for male and female inmates. A massive revamp from the existing Kalgoorlie Prison which was deemed unsuitable for occupation. A key priority of the project was for local prisoners to remain close to their families and Aboriginal prisoners to remain ‘in country’. The old prison, built in 1980, had just 100 beds and will be demolished.
Our Challenge
Improve the pre-existing living conditions for prisoners and create an environment for them to thrive toward rehabilitation and change their behaviours. The project aimed to create safe and secure water solutions that fit with the contemporary custodial facilities. An overarching objective of the EGRP restoration was to contribute to community safety and reduce long-term recidivism.
Solution
The improved amenities in the redeveloped EGRP were customised to suit the goals of the redevelopment. Utilising a combination of traditional mechanical operated anti-ligature tapware and an electronic water management system, the two worlds of first-class specialised tapware merged together to achieve maximum control of water usage.
Solving issues that are common to the correctional environment, the tapware and matching plumbing fittings were customised to suit the design of the cells. This ensured that vandal resistant and anti-ligature properties met the client’s needs. The water management system provides the facility manager greater control of operation, preventing misuse of water and effective use of resources.
As always, Galvin Engineering provided products that are easy to install and program. Working alongside the contractor and providing our systems in a manner so the installation was effective and efficient.
Key Data
Location: South Boulder, Western Australia
Hydraulic Consultant: Dennis Cairns and Associates
Contractor: Sanwell Plumbing
Finish Date: 2016
Results
Galvin Engineering supported EGRP’s redevelopment by ensuring that the project remained on time, dispite its isolated location. By taking advantage of Galvin Engineering’s local knowledge and expertise in the correctional sector, EGRP’s improved prison facilities now exceed the standards of a correctional facility.
The redeveloped prison has Corrective Service Minister Joe Francis describing the finished product as a world-class facility that is the “jewel in the crown in the WA prison estate”.
