PENTRIDGE PRISON PARDON

Artist’s impression reveal how this extensive area, earmarked for community use, will be brought to life. Much loved heritage elements, including bluestone cell blocks, will be integrated into a modern style and modern uses like restaurants, bars and shops.

As locals enter Pentridge they will be greeted by a proposed open piazza, landscaped gardens that frame walkways, and a selection of alfresco dining options envisaged to be lit by feature hanging lights at night. Plans also include a two-level boutique shopping precinct and a 120-room hotel.

Shayher Group project spokesman Anthony Goh said preserving the site’s heritage assets, was the top priority, and that high-quality construction effortlessly integrates the new shopping precinct, community spaces and hotel into the site’s existing heritage assets.

 “Our experience in combining residential and retail elements in developments will result in a high-quality urban village that adapts to and complements the existing character of the site, Coburg suburb and its people,” Mr Goh said.

“We are excited to confirm open spaces, beautifully landscaped gardens and active retail offerings will characterise the piazza, bringing a sense of vibrancy and community to Pentridge, as well as offering a new space for locals to gather for events, picnics, markets and festivals.

“The site’s centralised location makes it the perfect spot for an activated centre to complement the vibrancy of Coburg, providing the opportunity to introduce new integrated residential and food and retail offerings into the existing area.”

Shayher Group announced in August 2016 that TFE Hotels will operate an Adina Apartment Hotel on the site.

Designed by Cox Architecture, the hotel aims to seamlessly blend contemporary architectural design with the property’s distinct and remarkable heritage, including B Division, which will be integrated into the hotel offering.

Meanwhile, Australia’s leading boutique cinema group Palace Cinemas was named in September as the first retailer to join the 11,000sqm shopping precinct, which will be adjacent to A Division.

Set to shape Coburg’s vibrant, film, arts and hospitality hub, the 15 screen cinema will feature an environmentally sustainable design with a village feel.

In total, the site will include 14 new buildings designed to integrate with the existing heritage, with the heart of the precinct located in the southern part of the site.

“We will continue to work closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure the practical restoration of heritage buildings is in line with their history and is undertaken in a manner that will improve their condition and preserve them for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Goh said.

From 2016, Shayher Group will spend approximately $2 million to restore the former jail’s seven iconic guard towers as part of several years of heritage restoration works and archaeological surveys.