Plan sees population growth

AN ADDITIONAL 6400 dwellings are forecast to accommodate a growing population in inner Pakenham over the next two decades.
The Pakenham Structure Plan revealed the population of the Pakenham Precinct, which encompasses central Pakenham, is projected to increase by 23 per cent from “around” 30,800 to 39,900 by 2036.
“An average of 254 dwellings per year,” the plan found.
“Of this growing number of people it is predicted that the percentage of retirees or people of retirement age will grow to 73 per cent.”
Lone person households are expected to experience the largest increase, with about 2100 additional people between 2011 and 2036.
Ascot, the new housing development on the former racecourse site, is also projected to accomodate much of Pakenham’s future growth.
“The Pakenham Racecourse site (is) forecast to deliver the highest number of dwellings, approximately 850,” the plan found.
“Areas expected to see an increase in housing are a mix of greenfield and infill development, such as the Pakenham Activity Centre.”
The plan revealed that residents living in the Pakenham Activity Centre are “vulnerable when compared to Pakenham Precinct and Greater Melbourne due to the higher number of income households”.