Artist David Bromley buys Old Castlemaine Gaol

Australian artist David Bromley and wife Yuge Bromley have acquired the Old Castlemaine Gaol, a tourism attraction in the Central Highlands of Victoria.

Colliers International agent Kim McQueen said the Bromley’s had been looking for a very unique location in the are to create a sculptural and installation based arts museum or arts precinct.

“When we introduced David and Yuge to the Old Castlemaine Gaol – they instantly saw the potential,” McQueen said.

“We were able to negotiate a deal very quickly. 

“The Bromleys have terrific foresight and their addition to the Castlemaine landscape will be a huge benefit to not only the bugeoning Castlemaine arts scene but to the Central Highlands region of Victoria more broadly.”

The Old Castlemaine Gaol was built in 1861 and was active for more than 130 years.

The Gaol was last sold in 2012 to three local families and has been run as a café and tourism destination for the past few years.

The Bromley’s said they loved Castlemaine, and loved an adventure.

“When we first stepped foot on the grounds of the gaol and turned back towards the sublime view of Castlemaine we felt a great sense that it had the strength of presence to house something very iconic and not seen before in the Central Highlands of Victoria,” Mrs Bromley said. “Just what, we had not worked out yet.

“We hope people will experience a reinterpretation of the gaol’s architecture. While it was designed to make the original inhabitants feel insignificant, we want visitors to feel uplifted through the art.”

Last year the Bromley's sold their Daylesford home, around 30 km south of their latest purchase.