The council failed to make a decision on a permit application within the set 60-day timeframe, prompting the Shayher Group to take the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Despite this, councillors later voted to oppose the application at VCAT, citing concerns that the proposed development would be too bulky and cast too much shadow with three storeys taller than the preferred height. Additionally, the proposal did not include ground-floor commercial or retail spaces, which were meant to activate nearby courtyards as outlined in the masterplan.
AP Planning consultant Annabel Paul, representing the Shayher Group, argued that the building heights in the masterplan were not maximum limits and that plans for retail and commercial spaces were subject to market conditions. She stated that while the vision for the Pentridge site included a variety of uses, not every building within the precinct needed to adhere to this requirement. The proposed development was said to align with the masterplan and would provide 245 new homes in Coburg, meeting the demand for housing in a city facing a crisis.
Despite acknowledging the housing crisis in Melbourne, Greens councillor Mark Riley expressed concerns about the design of the proposed development, describing it as too high and bulky, especially given its proximity to the bluestone Pentridge walls. He highlighted the impact these imposing buildings would have on the surrounding street and the overall feel of the area. Socialist Alliance councillor Sue Bolton also criticized the proposal, stating that there were no outstanding features justifying the developer’s intent to exceed height limits simply to maximize profit.
The Pentridge precinct has a long history, serving as a prison for some of Victoria’s most notorious criminals such as Ned Kelly and Chopper Read for nearly 150 years. The proposed development, if approved, would drastically alter the historical site and potentially change the character of the surrounding area. The council’s decision to oppose the application raises questions about balancing the need for additional housing with preserving the heritage and aesthetic values of the neighborhood.
As the matter returns to VCAT on May 31, the debate over the proposed development at the Pentridge precinct continues. The decision on whether to approve the project will have significant implications for the future of the area and the level of development that is deemed appropriate within this historical site. The ongoing discussions between the council, development group, and community members underscore the complexity of balancing growth and heritage preservation in urban planning decisions. With the housing crisis in Melbourne persisting, finding a compromise that satisfies all stakeholders remains a challenging task.
