Salvo plans $1.2 billion mixed-use redevelopment of Coburg's Pentridge Prison
Pentridge Prison in Coburg has been a hive of activity in recent years, ever since the large 60-hectare site was carved up and sold to developers.
Melbourne developer Salvo is the latest to reveal plans for the southern portion of the former prison that ceased operations in 1997.
Salvo spent $34 million to acquire a significant 1.9-hectare holding in 2021, on which they're planning a $1.2 billion mixed-use development with a highly activated public realm, community spaces and integrated retail amenities that reflect the rich history of the site and Coburg character, along with reimagined multi-residential spaces.
The site borders Pentridge Boulevard, Urquhart St, Warden’s Walk and Stockdale Avenue and currently encompasses private lots including the current Pentridge Cellars building, abandoned retail spaces and east-west pedestrian links.
DKO has outlined an initial vision for the state-significant site that includes iconic heritage assets such as Ned Kelly’s grave site, original bluestone F Division building and walls surrounding former exercise yards, and a historic mural by Indigenous artist Ronald Bull.
The precinct includes numerous titles subject to various planning controls including the Pentridge Village Masterplan 2008 which allows for mixed-use development including retail, community and multi-residential comprising permits for around 650 apartments.
Salvo Managing Partner James Maitland said the site is one of Melbourne’s most significant infill projects that required a carefully considered design response in terms of the site’s heritage, complexity and cultural significance.
“DKO demonstrated a deep understanding of the site and surrounding precinct which has critical heritage, planning and design considerations and a distinct neighbourhood character," Maitland said.
“We’re delighted with their preliminary ideas that are responsive to the significance of the heritage assets in terms of their preservation and adaptive re-use, and ensuring highly liveable residential outcomes combined with activated, open public spaces and substantially enhanced amenity for the broader community.
“We see this site as a significant opportunity to provide additional housing in a well-serviced location within 7.5km of the CBD, particularly given the Victorian Government’s target to build 80,000 homes over the next decade."
Jesse Linardi, Design Director at DKO said the transformative project presents a significant opportunity to reconnect and revitalise the southern portion of the iconic Pentridge site.
“The prison is rich in history, strong in presence and unique in character,” Linardi said.
“Key principles underpinning our exploratory design response considered the heritage, program and liveability of the precinct, with activated, open spaces that are demographically and contextually driven and provide a diverse tapestry of urban experiences for residents, the community and visitors alike."
The next step in the five-plus year project involves extensive consultation with key stakeholders including Merri-bek city council, State Government planning authorities, Heritage Victoria and surrounding residents as part of a comprehensive engagement and planning process.
Established in 1851, Pentridge Prison has housed some of Australia’s most notorious criminals including Ned Kelly, Squizzy Taylor, Market ‘Chopper’ Read and Julian Knight.
Adjoining the site on the northern part of the overall precinct is an established retail and residential hub including a hotel, cinema, shopping mall, restaurants, cafes, apartments and townhouses, developed by Shayher Group. Developer PACE is also nearing completion on 312 apartments.
Pentridge Coburg is part of Salvo’s $3 billion development pipeline, which includes a $1 billion four-tower, mixed-use development at Fisherman’s Bend and Moray House, a $220 million multi-residential development in Southbank. It also has $1 billion in projects including commercial, industrial and mixed-use sites in Victoria and NSW.
