New shopping centre on list

By Paul Dunlop
A NEW shopping centre is on the drawing board for Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire Council is expected to next week approve plans for the multi-million-dollar development on the Heritage Springs Estate.
A new supermarket and 15 specialty shops are a centrepiece of the plans which aim to service residents in the fast-growing estate.
A 120-berth childcare centre is also proposed.
Councillors will meet on Monday to decide the application with town planners recommending it get the green light.
Heritage Springs developer Andrew Facey said the shopping complex, estimated to cost about $12 million, would be an asset for the area.
A chemist, bakery and cafe were among the likely businesses in the centre, he said.
Mr Facey said he was very proud of Heritage Springs’ reputation as one of the leading residential developments in the area.
“The intent has always been to create something that will last 100 years and still look nice,” he said.
The shopping complex is proposed for the north-western corner of Henry Road and McGregor Road.
It would be next to the new Pakenham South primary school, announced by the State Government earlier this month.
Mr Facey said he hoped construction on the shopping complex would begin in October or November with an opening in late 2007.
Car parking may be a sticking point for councillors who have spoken out against previous decisions to allow developments with reduced car parking requirements.
Under council regulations, the centre needs 412 car spaces but only 259 are proposed.
A consultant’s report said that number would be “more than capable” of meeting demand.
Town planners have said the development would meet the needs of the surrounding residential area.
Council’s meeting begins at 7 pm and is open to the public.