Pakenham streets ahead

PAKENHAM’S main shopping hub is about to receive a major makeover.
Main Street will soon be more attractive and accessible thanks to a streetscape upgrade to be undertaken by the Cardinia Shire Council.
The works, between Station Street and just north of John Street, are planned to strengthen the town as a shopping destination as well as protect and enhance its village feel.
The upgrade has been designed in consultation with traders, council officials said.
The streets deteriorating faux brick pavement will be replaced with high-density asphalt with brick edging, while drainage and pedestrian movement will also be improved.
Car parking will remain the same in terms of layout and the number of car parks.
The upgrade is part of a continuing program of improvements in Pakenham’s central shopping area that began in 2005.
Those works were carried out after traders complained about the health and maturity of street trees, poor appearance of footpaths and the state of street furniture.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald said plans for the most recent streetscape upgrade formed part of a continuing program to lift the profile of the CBD.
“The asphalt pavement will give the streetscape a cleaner and more uniform finish and will allow for minor ground movements and easy repair – to keep it looking good,” he said.
“Council believes the streetscape improvements will be of major benefit in terms of enhancing the shopping area and encouraging more and more people to shop in Pakenham.”
Cr Ronald said the works had been planned to minimise the impact on traders and the general public with the works being undertaken in sections with some components taking place at night.
The streetscape project aims to integrate Main Street with the improved Pakenham Plaza and future developments in John and Henry streets and to build stronger links with Pakenham Railway Station and Bourke Park.
The council is seeking tenders this month for the latest works with construction expected to begin in April.