Massage not welcome at prison site
Half of the people who live or work near Central Police Station, Victoria Prison and the former Magistracy would like to see a medical clinic on the site.
But there is strong opposition to suggestions that parts of the site may be used by a massage centre or an off-course betting shop.
Eighty-two per cent of the 524 people interviewed said that whatever happened, they would like to keep a police station or post office in the Hollywood Road area after the station is closed next year.
A quarter of those questioned want to see a police or prison museum on the site, while 25 per cent would like a hotel to be built there.
But more than 80 per cent were against the idea of steam baths, a massage parlour or an off-course betting centre.
The survey was carried out by the Central West District Council in preparation for the planned redevelopment of the site early next year.
The police are scheduled to move out of the station by the end of 2004.
The government has invited bids for the redevelopment but so far only one has been received.
Swire Properties has plans to turn it into a retail and entertainment complex.
The company's conceptual plans call for more than 200,000 sq ft for commercial space, including shops, restaurants and cafes, and turning the former Magistracy into a Chinese medicine centre.
The oldest of the buildings in the heritage site is Victoria Prison, built in 1841.
The Central Police Station is 139 years old, while the former Magistracy, first erected in 1847 and added to in 1914.
