NRS-4359 | Press clippings relating to the Metropolitan Maximum Security Prison, Parklea

This series consists of newspaper clippings and copies of articles, from local and daily papers, relating to the planning and construction of Parklea Prison which were collected at the site office as a record of the presentation and response to the project in the press. On 14 August 1978 the Premier, Neville Wran, announced the decision to build the new maximum security prison six kilometres north of Blacktown. A major recommendation of the Nagle Royal Commission into New South Wales Prisons had been that a maximum security gaol for 200 to 300 prisoners be established close to Sydney within five years. The decision created a prolonged protest movement from local residents supported by the Blacktown City Council and trade unions. Parklea Prison was the first major prison to be constructed in New South Wales in the twentieth century. Construction began in April 1980 and the prison was opened and received its first prisoners in November 1983. (12/13597.2-13598.1). 2 bundles. Note: This description is extracted from Concise Guide to the State Archives of New South Wales, 3rd Edition 2000.