281 Clarence St is a state-heritage listed former police station building, designed by then colonial architect James Barnet in the late 1800s. Originally 1 storey, it was subsequently added to by Barnet, and then further againt by government architect Richard Wells in the 1920s. It served as a police station until the mid-1980s when it was sold and converted into a private residence and offices. Since the mid 2000s, 281 Clarence has been the home of the Gaffa Creative Precinct, including maker spaces and an art gallery.

In 2018 Supercontext were engaged to undertake the complete refurbishment of the building which, after 30 years, was in need of upgrade to meet contemporary standards. The project developed further to incorporate a new outdoor roof garden, to be used as an extension of the art gallery as an outdoor garden and exhibition space.