Description

The former Pentridge Prison in Coburg has been dramatically transformed. The decommissioned landmark of controversial history is now a residential and retail precinct. The depth of the site’s cultural significance guided its redevelopment, where considered design elements recognise the history entrenched in the space.

In the heart of the precinct, in what used to be the parade ground or mustering yard, is the new Central Piazza, located between the heritage-protected bluestone buildings, and next to the new retail centre (including refreshing gelato!) and cinema designed by Buchan. Incorporating rescued materials from the original site into the new one, the piazza ensures that the prolific stories hosted by the site are not lost or forgotten, while bringing a new lease of life to the heritage-listed building and grounds.

What's On

Join us on a walking tour through key Pentridge Piazza spaces, as well as other areas around the site where interpretation of its previous use have been installed. The tour will be led by Erwin Taal of ASPECT Studios and the lead designer of Pentridge Piazza, who brings a wealth of knowledge and anecdotes. A separate historical interpretation centre is located on-site for further information about the past.

Brought to you with the generous support of our friends and partners, our Summer Fun(draisers) offer new and special opportunities as well as returning crowd favourites. These intimate, limited capacity talks + tours will take you up close and behind-the-scenes with design experts, all the while making a valued contribution to Open House Melbourne.

In Collaboration With:

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  Erwin Taal, Senior Associate, ASPECT Studios

  Erwin is a Studio Leader and Senior Associate in ASPECT's Melbourne studio. With a focus on design leadership, sustainability and urban integration. He has a sophisticated and rigorous approach to the critical design processes of public realm development, the architectural interface, contemporary urban design and holistic master planning, where he balances ecological, cultural, historical and sustainable considerations with social and financial imperatives.
  With over 20 years of professional experience in urban, regional and natural environments, Erwin’s project experience ranges from large scale infrastructure planning and urban design guidelines to green infrastructure and living architecture, to small artistic installations within the urban setting, In all projects, place creation and sustainable outcomes being a core tenant of his touch.