Recent History
In 2001 the Trust embarked on an ambitious program to completely renovate and refurbish the historic Newcastle Police Lock-Up.
After the police station closed in 1982, the Hunter Heritage Centre was developed to encourage the participation, appreciation of the city’s unique heritage. In 2001 the Trust embarked on an ambitious program to completely renovate and refurbish the historic Newcastle Police Lock-Up. This included the opening of a museum, artists in residence accommodation, and the opening of the John Paynter Gallery space.
In 2007, The Lock-Up was launched as a multi-arts hub in the heart of Newcastle’s heritage precinct. The John Paynter Gallery provided exhibition space for independent and emerging practitioners to hire as well as presenting work developed through the Artist in Residence program and curated exhibitions by The Lock-Up staff such as The Star in 2009 & Brought to Light: Unlocking Newcastle Newcastle’s Secrets in 2010.
In September 2014 The Lock-Up re-launched as a dedicated contemporary art space as a place for exchange, ideas, exploration, information and cultural endeavour.
Our History
Early History
The building of the Newcastle Police Station and Lock-Up was completed in 1861. Mortimer Lewis Jnr designed a single storey building under the direction of James Barnet.
Read MoreThe Foyer
The foyer was once the charge room of the lock-up with prisoners arrested and brought into this room for charging with one or more convictions.
Read MoreCells
The cells were used as a place of short-term confinement for both men and women. Stays were short – three to four days normally – and while many left sooner some were subjected to longer periods of detainment.
Read MoreThe Yard
The Yard was open to the elements and the metal barred roof and entry door still remain as well as bathing and toilet facilities and original graffiti remnants.
Read MoreCollection
The Lock-Up museum previously house a small collection of police artifacts including uniforms from different historical period and police ledgers.
Read MoreRecent History
In 2001 the Trust embarked on an ambitious program to completely renovate and refurbish the historic Newcastle Police Lock-Up.
Read More