According to the ACT Government, significant renovations would be necessary to upgrade its infrastructure to meet the requisite standards for security and safety for a permanent correctional facility.
Quamby, a medium to low security facility, can accommodate up to 26 children and young people who have been refused bail or sentenced to a period of detention.
In early 2006, the Government of the Australian Capital Territory announced plans for a $40 million youth detention centre at Mitchell, ACT.
In 2007 Symonston was criticised by the Human Rights Commission for allowing little time out of cells and for excessive lockdowns.
In 2015 it was used as a temporary solution to the overcrowding in the ACT's main adult prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre.