Melbourne developer Salvo has taken a significant step towards revitalising the southern portion of the historic Pentridge Village precinct in Coburg.
After a competitive design process, architects DKO will work alongside Salvo to create a masterplan that respects the site’s rich heritage while delivering a vibrant, mixed-use development.
The 19,000sq m site is earmarked for a $1.2-billion redevelopment featuring a highly activated public realm, community spaces and retail amenities.
The project aims to strike a delicate balance between preserving the site’s iconic heritage assets, such as bushranger Ned Kelly’s grave and the original bluestone F Division building, and creating a modern, desirable living and working environment.
Salvo’s acquisition of the landholding in 2021 marks a new chapter for the precinct, which has faced challenges in previous development attempts.
The site’s location, bordering Pentridge Boulevard, Urquhart Street, Warden’s Walk, and Stockdale Avenue, offers significant potential for redevelopment.
Salvo managing partner James Maitland emphasised the importance of ensuring that the new development will be respectful of the past and responsive to the needs of the present.
“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.
The project’s potential to provide additional housing in a well-serviced location, within 7.5km of the CBD, is particularly significant given the Victorian Government's target of building 80,000 homes over the next decade.
The proposed development aligns with the Pentridge Village Masterplan 2008, which allows for retail, community, and multi-residential uses.
The project’s proximity to trendy eateries, the popular Brew Dog Brew Pub, cinemas and a buzzing retail and residential hub developed by Shayher Group also enhances its appeal.
Shayher also has plans in place for twin residential towers to be built alongside Champ Street.
Next steps for Salvo’s project include consultation with key stakeholders, including Merri-bek City Council, Victorian government planning authorities, Heritage Victoria and surrounding residents.
Pentridge Coburg is part of Salvo’s $3-billion development pipeline, which includes a $1-billion mixed-use development at Fishermans Bend and a $220-million multi-residential development at Southbank, as well as $1 billion in projects across Victoria and NSW.
