Parking reprieve

By Melissa Meehan
TRADERS worried their Christmas business would be lost can breathe a sigh of relief, after shopping giant Woolworths promised not to close car parks over the festive season.
With loss of parking a major concern for traders, Woolworths Senior Development Manager Lindsay Rowles told traders last week that no carparks would be closed for construction over the Christmas period as originally feared.
He also said that an arrangement would be made to stop tradespeople clogging up the main street parking during construction, as per a condition of their planning permit. “We will be looking at organising parking off-site,” he said. “Or something like a shuttle bus arrangement.”
As well as keeping their car parking available, Mr Rowles said traders could also look forward to added business during the construction period.
“Local businesses can expect to benefit from the extra foot traffic with 200-plus tradespeople needing to buy their breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea from local stores,” he said.
Mr Rowles also ruled out concerns that Woolworths already had a set formula for stores included for the new development. He said while no lease arrangements had been confirmed, Woolworths would look at the open market.
“Obviously we need to look at what will make a successful shopping centre,” he said.
“But we will see what comes in and go from there.”
Along with the new development, Pakenham’s CBD can also expect a minor facelift.
As part of the Henty Street development, John Street, Henty Street, Cook Drive and Trealor Lane will receive a new look with Woolworths committing to streetscapes works.