Cardinia Shire manager of engineering services Brad Hurren, general manager of assets and services Mike Ellis and Central Ward councillor Brett Owen test out the new faux brick pavement in Main Street, near the John Street roundabout. Picture: Luke Plummer. 20026
By Melissa Grant
THE future of Pakenham’s central business district looks bright as the first stage of the council’s streetscape works nears completion.
A section of footpath in Main Street, near the John Street roundabout, was recently replaced with orange faux brick as part of a major project to improve the look and feel of Pakenham’s retail heartland.
The vibrant pavement will eventually extend from Mama Rosa’s to the Pakenham Hotel.
Two crossings, near Ritchies IGA and the newsagency, will also be installed as part of the make-over.
Cardinia Shire Central Ward councillor Kate Lempriere said she was looking forward to the completion of the refurbishment and treatment of the pavement.
“I think everyone likes it and there has been a good vibe about it,” she said.
“The ambition is to include John Street eventually and the street off it so we have a uniform village square.
“I think it just enhances, attracts and encourages people to come into a warm and welcoming environment to do their shopping.”
The council had originally planned to rip up the pavement but almost halved its costs – from about $800,000 to $400,000 – by taking up the faux brick option.
Traders were concerned that tearing up the pavement would cause too much disruption.
Central Ward councillor Brett Owen said the council had taken traders’ opinions on board.
“It also has the advantage of maximising the life of the existing concrete base,” Cr Owen said.
“No parking has been removed as a result of the works and council is always looking for opportunities to improve parking in the town centre.”
Parking has been increased in Drake Place between Ritchies IGA and the Pakenham Hotel with angle parking replacing parallel parking.
Tenders are currently being assessed for the footpath rejuvenation between John Street and Station Street in the same faux brick style.
Cr Lempriere said she had also discussed and negotiated drainage upgrades with council engineers.
She said replacement of the Station Street roundabout will be undertaken in the coming months.
“The completed project will be of major benefit to business and will create a visually attractive, safe shopping area, easily accessible to young and elderly and close to transport and parking facilities.
“Our aim is to encourage more people to shop and do business in Pakenham,” Cr Lempriere said.
It is anticipated the streetscape project will be complete by late 2008.
