Left: A Mitre 10 Hardware store could soon be built in Endeavour Hills, turning the vacant land into a bustling shopping precinct. Casey councillor Rob Wilson, Berwick property developer Sam Mondous and councillor Roland Abraham.By Rebecca Fraser
ENDEAVOUR Hills could soon be home to a Mitre 10 Hardware store.
The proposed development follows last week’s City of Casey planning meeting where council agreed to prepare a report on the rezoning of land between Heatherton Road and Reema Boulevard in Endeavour Hills.
The council report would suggest amending the current zoning of the land from Residential Zone 1 to Business Zone 1 land.
The decision was a small step forward for Berwick property developer Sam Mondous who has owned the parcel of land since 1984.
Mr Mondous has experienced a long and often controversial relationship with council over the past 20 years with some of his proposed developments attracting sharp community and council criticism.
His latest plans include a 4500 square metre Mitre 10 store and a shopping village at the western end of the Endeavour Hills site containing 11 shops and a food court with 11 food and drink premises, restaurants and car parks.
Mr Mondous has already developed a service station and convenience store on the site. At Tuesday’s meeting Mr Mondous was congratulated for finally ‘wearing’ council down and finding a suitable use for the land site.
“I have put bits and pieces forward in the past, I had a permit for a hotel but was not able to have poker machines so that did not go ahead,” Mr Mondous said.
“I had an application for a convention centre that was approved but I did not find a tenant.
“I wanted a supermarket but that was not approved because of the shopping centre.
“I ask who wore who down over 24 years?
“I think they wore me down.”
Once the planning report is completed it will be forwarded to Victorian Minister for Planning Rob Hulls for approval.
If approved, Mr Mondous will also have to comply with certain stipulations, including a traffic study on the area, before building can proceed.
Casey councillor Rob Wilson said he was glad the land would finally be put to use.
“I have opposed most of the things he (Mr Mondous) has brought up such as pokies and a pub since day dot,” Cr Wilson said.
“I applaud this move by council as this looks set to become finalised and the land at the corner of Heatherton Road and Hallam North Road will finally be put to good use.
“It will be good for local employment for the young kids around here looking for work.”
Casey councillor Roland Abraham agreed and said he, too, believed this would generate many local jobs.
“Narre Warren has the new Casey precinct which will be the jewel of Casey, Cranbourne has its structure plan and now in Endeavour Hills and in the northern part of Casey this can be another pinnacle,” Cr Abraham said.
“The proposed development is well timed and this will become another bustling precinct in its own right.”
