Historic Main Street properties are changing hands as one of the oldest houses on Pakenham is currently for sale, while the new owners of the old florist next door are looking to convert it into accommodation for the vulnerable.
The weatherboard house that has stood for over a century at 84-88 Main Street is currently on the market.
The heritage-listed property is one of five pre-First World War houses in Pakenham, built in 1910, and one of two that exist on Main Street.
The listing on realestate.com includes a picture depicting a design of the property for a lot of seven townhouses with the accompanying text of “subject to council approval.”
Contacting the property’s agent, Lifestyle & Acreage Real Estate, it was said that this is not being proposed for the site and was commissioned for the sale process to give an interested buyer a glimpse of what could be developed at the property.
A search of Cardinia Shire’s planning database confirms no permit application has been lodged for 84-88 Main Street.
Next door, 90-92 Main Street, has recently changed owners and an application was lodged in May for the development of six “community care accommodation buildings.”
Commonly known as Pakenham Florist before it closed last year, it was built between 1938-39 and is heritage-listed as one of three remaining shop and residence properties on Main Street unique to the inter-war and post-war period.
Formerly owned by Pakenham Uniting Church, it was sold to a new owner last year and the recent application proposes to alter and extend the existing buildings.
The proposal also includes constructing new buildings and a retail shop on the 2000sqm lot.
The purpose of community care accommodation can vary, including such uses as crisis accommodation or care for people with disability.
The application estimates a cost of $4.5 million for the proposal.
No decision on the permit has been made by the council yet; its heritage listing will likely require a decision before a council meeting.
