Australia's inner-city prisons and their potential for new apartment development
For centuries, Australia's oldest prisons have taken up prime land across the country.
It's the case in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs where Long Bay jail occupies 32 hectares of prime eastern suburbs real estate that has long been touted as a potential to somewhat curb some of Sydney's crippling housing supply issue.
In Brisbane, there's the now-closed H.M. Prison Brisbane, more commonly known as Boggo Road Gaol, one of the most notorious prisons in the country before it closed its doors in the 1980s. That still sits on a prime near 10-hectare block of land in Dutton Park, just south of the city and on the fringe of Woolloongabba, the focal point of the 2032 Brisbane Summer Olympics.
The Melbourne Assessment Prison is located in one of the most sought-after and busy spots in the heart of the Victorian capital, straddling both Spencer and La Trobe Streets in the heart of the city.
These prisons sit on blocks of land that will likely never be traded, which is why when the HMAS Pentridge Prison in Coburg shut down operations in the late 1990s, astute developers swooped on the 6.7-hectare parcel which is located near the centre of Coburg.
One of those developers was Pace, who secured a site that was formerly the exercise yard of the prison. The site Pace acquired left them with a relatively blank canvas compared to some other developers who bought parts of the prison which had to be retained as part of the redevelopment.
While not having to follow strict heritage rules, architecture firm SJB Architects still looked to the old prison for inspiration.
"You see the old bluestone walls and you want to embrace its history," former SJB Director Tristan Wong said.
"It's so important, and it is a special part of Coburg's history. Those memories are still there and very visible, but there's now just this much more, community-focused, locally-inspired project. it's like it's had this rebirth or regeneration of its former youth."
Pace will soon be welcoming residents to Pace 3058, a collection of 311 apartments and townhouses that are slated for completion in the coming months.
The location has been a major driver in interest given it's just 13-minute walk from Coburg Station and the town centre.
Nestled behind Sydney Road, Pace 3058 is surrounded by expansive parklands, bike trails, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes.
The nearest park, Coburg Lake Reserve, is only an eight-minute stroll from Pace 3058, offering picnic areas, playgrounds, barbecue facilities, and walking and bike paths surrounding the lake. There is also a Palace Cinemas within a five-minute walk of Pace 3058.
Jackson Reserve, a busier recreational park, featuring an off-leash dog area, a playground, an adjoining basketball stadium, and a track and field oval is just a quick five-minute drive away.
Several retail and dining options also surround the development, starting with The Boot Factory across the street, The Glass Den towards the rear of the property, and O’Hey Cafe an eight-minute walk away.
Moreover, residents are only a three-minute walk to Coburg Farmers’ Market, five minutes to Ritchies IGA Fine Food and Wine Merchants, and just within a kilometre from the closest Woolworths and Coles.
Completing the ideal location checklist for family buyers, Pace 3058 not only offers proximity to parks, playgrounds, retail, and dining options but also sits just 400 metres from Coburg Primary School and 850 metres from Coburg High School.
Health services are also nearby, with Merri Health only an eight-minute walk, and Harding Street Medical Centre, a five-minute drive away from Pace 3058.
Prospective buyers can choose from one, two, and three-bedroom DDA-compliant apartments, as well as double-storey three-bedroom townhouses.
