Development

By Melissa Grant
COUNCILLORS have paved the way for an $80 million retail precinct in Pakenham featuring a Big W and Woolworths supermarket.
Specialty shops, underground parking and a food court are also part of the proposed development, which is tipped to create 600 jobs.
Civic leaders voted unanimously at a special council meeting on Friday to notify the public of their intention to sell council-land bounded by John Street, Henry Street, Cook Drive and Treloar Lane.
They hope it will be third time lucky, after two previous proposals for the site fell through.
Cardinia Shire chief executive Garry McQuillan said the council was set to get $8 million from the land sale and $2.4 million for a car park licence – a good result in the economic climate.
Mr McQuillan said the site had a “chequered” past over the last decade, but was optimistic about the latest proposal.
He said it was the best yet to be put before the council.
The council suffered a major setback in August when Consolidated Properties withdrew its plans for a $40 million retail hub at the site. The company was set to pay $8.75 million for the land to develop the hub, which was to feature a K-Mart, supermarket and roof-top parking.
Previously, the council had hoped to extend the existing library, move Southern Health from its offices on the Princes Highway and relocate shire offices from Henty Way.
However, those plans fell through in July 2004.
Councillor Brett Owen agreed the latest proposal was the best so far and was the first to feature underground parking.
The precinct will bring an extra 869 car parks to Pakenham’s CBD.
Once the heads of agreement has been signed, the council will advertise its intentions and invite public submissions over a four-week period.
Mr McQuillan will brief the business community about the proposal at the next general meeting of the Pakenham Business Group on Monday (27 April) from 6pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Anyone wishing to attend should contact group secretary Michelle Tones at m.tones@pakenham.countryracing.com.au.