By DANIELLE GALVIN
A THIRD home improvement store in Pakenham was officially opened on Wednesday.
The Masters complex on Princes Highway and Lakeside Boulevard opened its doors with an official board cutting yesterday.
Cardinia Shire mayor Graeme Moore and Gembrook MP Brad Battin were on hand to welcome the 16th store in Victoria to Pakenham.
Masters Regional Manager Tim Broxham said it was a special day after four years of hard work and planning.
He said the new store brings some “much-needed competition” to town, referencing Bunnings across the road and Hardy’s Mitre 10.
“Don’t you just love competition?” he said.
“Look just down there – you’ve got some big competition.”
Mr Broxham said the property team had worked to find the best possible spot for the new store, which often meant close to other similar DIY and home improvement shops.
“This is a site we are proud of,” he said.
Store manager Michael Thomspon was handed the keys to the 13,500 square metre store and said it was all made possible thanks to the hard work of the staff at the new store.
“There have been a few challenges getting it up and running,” he said.
“But this is great for the town and we believe we can offer some competition.”
Mayor Moore said councillors had taken an interest in the development.
He welcomed the development as an “ultra-modern building” with new opportunities for employment and big business in Pakenham.
“I would like to formally welcome Masters to the district,” he said.
Cr Moore said the site for the new store was also important, given the predicted growth on Cardinia Road and in Officer.
He thanked Masters for supporting Carols by Candlelight in December last year.
Mr Battin said he welcomed any business that employed a large number of local people in retail trade.
“Employment is a big issue,” he said.
“A hundred new jobs in Pakenham is not something that happens every day.”
