Pentridge Prison site approved for Air Apartments

The Victorian Government has approved the construction of new Air Apartments, which are to be built on the site of heritage-listed Pentridge Prison.

Located in Coburg at 21 Pentridge Boulevard, Pentridge Prison was first established to house criminals in 1851 and officially closed in May 1997.

The forthcoming development by Shayher Group will transform the historical prison into a mixed-use urban village for the local community.

Its approved masterplan outlines a blueprint for a diverse community comprising a range of housing styles, as well as retail and community facilities.

“The site’s centralised location makes it the perfect spot for an activated centre to enhance residents’ overall liveability, providing the opportunity to introduce new integrated residential, food and retail offerings into the existing area,” commented project spokesman Anthony Goh.

“This building is a part of our vision to create a new urban village within the iconic walls of Pentridge, attracting locals who are keen to get on the property ladder and downsizers and those who wish to live in the centre of it all - with a Palace Cinema, cafes, restaurants and retail stores right on their doorstep,” he said.

Shayher Group is ensuring future plans are in line with the site's character and heritage by investing more than $2 million through various restoration works, including restoring the iconic guard towers.

The Air Apartments contribute to the approved masterplan for the site, which requires high density to ensure it is economically viable in the long term. It also provides much-needed parking over three of its levels for residents.

“A site like Pentridge not only requires high density housing to ensure its economic viability in the long term, but it is also suitable for a higher density development due to its close proximity to public transport infrastructure, shops and schools, thereby reducing the number of cars on our roads and encouraging residents to walk to nearby facilities,” Goh added.

The next stage will be the commencement of the retail precinct and Adina Hotel, which will directly contribute to the estimated 8000 jobs that will be generated thanks to the redevelopment. 

These projects are currently being assessed by the Moreland Council and Heritage Victoria.

“The Victorian Government’s decision to approve the Air Apartments will ensure the site’s heritage will be celebrated, while being enjoyed by the wider community for many years to come, as will the mixed-use retail precinct and Adina Hotel once approved,” Goh said.