Pentridge Piazza
Pentridge Piazza, the central public space of the emerging Pentridge Coburg redevelopment, is the result of a design that acknowledges Pentridge’s difficult history while making room for new beginnings. Positioned in the former mustering yard, the Piazza is a restrained space centrally placed between heritage bluestone buildings and a new cinema and shopping centre.
In its approach to the project, ASPECT Studios found a balance between the significant and dark history of the site, its heritage fabric and the need to create a new contemporary square that was welcoming for the community.
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- TRADITIONAL OWNERS & ONGOING CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country
- Client Shayher Group
- Location Coburg, Melbourne, Australia
- Year 2014–2020
ASPECT’s spatial arrangement of the central Piazza reflects its previous life as a mustering yard, and the entry and arrival sequence from Champ Street has been reflected in the ceremonial Piazza entrance. Core to this act of interpretation is the marking of the historic mustering lines, which have been embedded into the Piazza through simple concrete lines and crosses marking the positions prisoners took when in the space.
Throughout the project, bluestone blocks originally quarried by Pentridge prisoners themselves to build the prison have been retained and recycled. These blocks are now seats, edges and a water play sculpture. This retention quietly honours the labour and craft of those workers, while maintaining a connection to the geology that has marked this site so dramatically.
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The development adds almost 6,500m² of public open space and will allow future growth for the Piazza into a viable outdoor venue for art, cultural activities, entertainment, and as a lively hub for residents, locals and visitors to enjoy.
- TEAM NH Architecture, Buchan Group, Electrolight, SHP, PTA Landscapes, Waterforms International
- AWARDS 2022 AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Awards - Civic Landscape Award
- PHOTOGRAPHY Dianna Snape
