30 July 2023

So Cell Block B at the former Pentridge Prison has been turned into hotel (it opened in April). They knocked five cells together to create suites ‘something like an uber luxurious train compartment’ according a recent Age review. The ground level is bars, lounges and restaurants, and there’s a pool too. The bulk of the hotel is however in an attached tower. I think this is a fine reuse, I always thought knocking cells together would be the way to go (but they aren’t much bigger than the double bed!). I don’t like the tower though, it’s plonked in top of the once intact bluestone gaol precinct, all rather chopped up, and bits of walls removed too. I havnt been yet, but I believe it’s working as a pedestrian precinct, perhaps the grooviest part of Coburg now ! All photos the internet. From my Instagram post it seems most of my followers can’t believe anyone would pay to stay there.

• Uncategorized