Sterile Zones

Significance

The sterile zones and related spaces are key historical components of Fremantle Prison planning and operations. As with the Watch Towers and Walkways, these spaces directly reflect the need for observation, surveillance and security at Fremantle Prison. While they vary in size and location, with some being narrow walled spaces between buildings and others adjacent to the perimeter wall, their open spatial character and unobstructed views are demonstrative of their original function and purpose.

Those sterile zones associated with the convict-era Prison and perimeter walls are of exceptional significance.

Those sterile zones associated with the colonial-era Prison developments are of considerable significance

Principles

PRINCIPLE 183: The existing internal and external sterile zones of the Prison should be retained. Evidence of the different sterile zone arrangements at the Prison, such as that associated with the Female Division, should be maintained.

PRINCIPLE 184: Generally, the sterile zones should be maintained as free and/or open spaces, retaining end-to-end views of the zones from the ground and from the relevant Watch Tower. Retaining these free uncluttered spaces will also assist in the presentation of the perimeter walls.

PRINCIPLE 185: Where new shelter is required for weather protection, including for visitors, it should be located away from the perimeter walls and should not intrude into the extent of the historical sterile zones (generally 6 to 9 m).

PRINCIPLE 186: The sterile zones should not be cluttered by (for example) storage. Generally, they should be kept free of concealing structures. Do not build over or cover the sterile zones, other than where such work is temporary, is required for operational purposes and causes no or limited physical impact on significant fabric.

PRINCIPLE 187: Interpretation of the sterile zones should ‘tell the story’ of the important role of these otherwise empty spaces, their relevance to prison operations and surveillance. It is also essential to highlighting and transmitting the OUV of the place.

Structures & Spaces Actions

ACTION 88: Remove later elements and accretions which currently conceal or impact on external and internal views of sterile zones.

ACTION 89: Continue to use and enhance historical interpretation of the sterile zones.