To address the growing prison population in Victoria, the GEO Group engaged GB-A to design a significant expansion to the Fulham Correctional Centre, situated 200 kilometres east of Melbourne’s CBD in Gippsland. The project sought to increase the capacity of the 1990s medium-security men’s centre from 893 to approximately 1,000, and bring its facilities into alignment with contemporary best-practice.

The expansion features five new buildings, including a 35-bed management unit facility, a 102-bed accommodation block to increase capacity, and a cultural and community activity centre complete with landscaping, a yarning circle and firepit, designed to improve prisoner wellbeing. A movement control building and a prisoner shop were part of the expansion, intended to streamline operations and service accessibility. Extensive upgrades to the existing infrastructure were also required, with three pre-existing blocks refurbished and expanded to create a modernised healthcare facility, enhanced laundry amenities, a training kitchen to support prisoner rehabilitation, and extensions to the gatehouse and reception area.

The complexity of the project presented unique challenges, with works staged and undertaken at multiple site locations within a fully operating facility. Construction works for the gatehouse and health building were completed while the facilities were operational, requiring robust security measures. To maintain health facilities during construction, a section of an accommodation wing was also temporarily converted.

The project received a High Commendation in the 2021 AIB Professional Excellence in Building Awards; $60 Million Plus Category, awarded to Ireland Brown Construction (IBC).