PENTRIDGE UPGRADE
01 Jul 2020
As specialists in the construction of commercial, residential and educational spaces, PTA Landscapes has been integral to the transformation of Pentridge Prison into a thriving shopping centre, which included extensive works on the external hard and soft landscaping elements.
“Prior to the work beginning, we conducted client consultations to go over the project’s differing elements,” said PTA Landscape’s Co-Director, Dion Loncar.
“The landscape construction phase included the installation of new and reconstitute walling types, such as new in-situ concrete walls with interpretative heritage recesses, to the bluestone walls, seating and feature elements using reclaimed site stone. Pavements included both water-exposed and sandblasted concrete, along with five different types and formats of bluestone pavements. We built split-level timber deck structures, water feature components, and a new steel and timber entry portal. The hard works are softened by lawns, garden beds and established trees.”
Due to site restrictions, the work was approached in stages. “Being situated at a live site meant we had to tackle this project with a piecemeal approach," said Dion. "Coordination, communication and site/project management was key in achieving efficient progress while maintaining a high level of safety and quality.” 
Coordinating with active trades was done in advance to ensure safety was maintained while enabling access to large quantities of materials. On top of this, any contaminated soil had to comply with government regulations, and changes in relation to the underground services network meant open communication and collaboration were ongoing.
PTA Landscapes is now constructing the first landscape stage of the Moonee Valley Racecourse redevelopment and recently completed the Victorian Emergency Services Memorial in Treasury Gardens.
The team were awarded 2019 Commercial Landscape of the Year by Landscape Victoria Master Landscapers and built the gold-medal-winning and Best in Show garden at the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, highlighting the diversity and quality of workmanship, and reinforcing PTA Landscapes’ position as the leading contractor in the Victorian landscape industry. 
For more information contact PTA Landscapes via the links below or call 03 9720 0113.
