Plans ease car parking pressure

By Melissa Grant
PAKENHAM traders and shoppers will have an array of new parking options before a 288-space parking bay closes in Treloar Lane.
The Cardinia Shire Council has opened up more off-street parking – a move welcomed by business owners who were concerned about parking during the construction of an $80 million retail complex.
Preparations for work at the retail precinct site are expected to begin about 12 October. The Treloar Lane parking area will be closed shortly after.
On Monday, the council announced two new parking options: a parking bay on the corner of John and Henry streets with 35 spaces and one behind the Pakenham Arcade boasting 25. The council is also encouraging shoppers to utilise 70 spaces near the Pakenham Hall.
The announcement comes a month after 150 spots were opened up near Cook Drive.
Pakenham Business Group president Michael Porter said it was a decent outcome, considering the four parking areas provided a total of 280 spaces – just eight less than the Treloar Lane car park.
“It’s a reasonably good result, and yes we all have to walk that little bit further, but at least they’re there,” he said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said the council was aware that the provision of car parking had been a major concern for traders. “Council is in the process of securing further car parking sites and will provide updates as these become available,” he said.
Cr Pearson said there would be time restrictions on some of the 280 car spaces, while more would become available after hours.
“Parking in Treloar Lane itself is expected to be available after 5pm for customers and staff of shops with later operating hours,” he said.
A map highlighting new and existing off-street car parking areas in Pakenham will be distributed to Main Street business operators for their employees and customers.