Conservation works at Pentridge Prison

Established in 1851 and largely constructed in the period 1858-64, HM Prison Pentridge is the largest prison complex constructed in Victoria in the 19th Century.  Upon final closure in 1997, the extensive site was subdivided and sold by the State Government to private developers. As a result, the responsibility for maintenance of the State heritage-registered infrastructure, which must be retained, was shared amongst its new owners. Commencing with the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan in 1996, Lovell Chen has provided strategic heritage advice, managed approval processes and documented detailed conservation works to numerous buildings on the site in support of the sites two decades of evolution and development.

The corrosion of embedded security grilles in D-Division had caused serious damage to the building's bluestone windows sills, breaking them into large detached fragments. Lovell Chen and Victorian Stonemasons Co-operative developed two repair methodologies, the use of each depended on the severity of the damage. In all, 76 sills have been repaired. In addition, the original bluestone gutters have been re-lined and rainwater goods repaired.

Other works include conservation and improvement works to the complex's observation tower, and render repairs and repointing to the exercise yard and perimeter walls. General repainting, repointing and removal of redundant material has made appreciable visible improvements to the precinct.