The Old Pentridge Prison Is Being Transformed Into a Microbrewery and Pub
Have a drink in the clink.
Almost two decades after closing its doors, one of Melbourne's most notorious prisons is about to be rehabilitated. Once the home of dangerous criminals including bushranger Ned Kelly and Mark "Chopper" Read, the former Image site in Coburg will soon trade its iron bars for a microbrewery, restaurant and beer garden. Lock us up and throw away the key.
The bar will be run by Daniel Caneva of the nearby Post Office Hotel, and is a partnership between Coburg Larger, award-winning architecture firm Techne Architects, and Future Estate, the property developer whose owns the Pentridge site. The Coburg Brewing Co. is set to open later in the year, and will be located in the prison's old heritage listed laundry building. The original laundry machinery will remain in the venue, although you can expect there to be a few adjustments to the decor.
It's just one small part of Future Estate vision for the old bluestone gaol, which is set to be transformed in a suburban precinct dubbed Coburg Quarter, complete with bars, cafes, shops, markets and an outdoor cinema. Just try not to think about the fact that it's also the site of Australia's last execution.
The Coburg Brewing Company should be open for business in the second half of 2016. Stay in the loop at www.coburgbeer.com.
Image: Stephen White.
