High-rise to tower over former prison despite council rejection

VCAT has approved plans for a 19-storey skyscraper overlooking the former Pentridge Prison precinct, despite Moreland Council blocking the move a year ago.

VCAT has approved plans for a 19-storey skyscraper overlooking the former Pentridge Prison precinct, despite Moreland Council blocking the move a year ago.

The Adina Apartment Hotel at 19 Pentridge Blvd will have room for 120 apartments in a mix of hotel and residential living and is set to loom large over the refurbished Pentridge precinct.

COUNCIL SEEKS HERITAGE LISTING FOR FORMER PENTRIDGE PRISON

FORMER PRISON CHAPLAIN SAYS HUMAN REMAINS DESERVE IDENTIFICATION

A permit for the tower was knocked back by the council in July last year, after which developer Shayher Group referred the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

VCAT also knocked back the permit but gave Shayher 60 days to revise its plans and in a decision handed down on July 13, gave the revised tower the tick of approval.

Expected to open in 2020, the tower will offer guests a chance to stay in converted B Division prison cells and incorporate the prison’s chapel as a function space.

The updated design was approved by the tribunal for fixing earlier concerns it was top heavy, with the hearing finding the design had enlarged the lower levels of the tower and addressed fears it would too greatly contrast the walls of the prison.

“We find that the tower will not dominate and overwhelm the bluestone walls but act as a separate, modern building that provides suitable contrast,” the hearing found.

An old Pentridge Prison building. Picture: Hamish Blair

Pentridge Community Action Group spokesman Michael Hamel-Green, who was a respondent in the VCAT case, said the tower would be an “eyesore”.

“It will effectively sandwich existing residents between 19-storey towers along Pentridge Blvd, creating a dark sunless canyon during the winter months," he said.

A second tower of the same height will also be constructed in the precinct.

Moreland Mayor John Kavanagh said while the council was disappointed its decision was reversed, he was pleased the design was forced to change.

Shayher spokesman Anthony Goh said the designs took inspiration from similar projects in the United States and United Kingdom which had converted prisons into accommodation.

“Its design by Cox Architects will set a benchmark … and breathe new life into this historic asset,” he said.

“The masterplan and its density was created in line with the government’s future vision for this area to become an urban hub.”