$80m complex takes shape

A MINI major retailer will join big brands Woolworths and Big W at Pakenham’s highly anticipated $80 million shopping complex.
The Gazette can also reveal that there will be three covered walkways linking the development to the rear of Main Street, after getting a sneak peek at the complex’s floor plans last Wednesday.
The third big brand for the site is yet to be determined, but examples of mini-major retailers include Rebel Sport, Best & Less, Priceline and Borders Books.
There will be three access points to the retail hub, including a central travelator linking the underground car park.
A food court and several speciality shops are planned for the development as well as a café-bookshop area in the north-west corner.
Cardinia Shire Council chief executive Garry McQuillan said edged walls would be used for the complex to prevent graffiti.
“It’s not just a brick wall,” he said.
Mr McQuillan said traffic signals were planned for the intersection of James and John streets, while Cook Drive would also be widened to improve access.
A road through the Pakenham Racecourse would be built in 2014-15 after the racing club relocates to its new site near Nar Nar Goon, he said.
Construction of the development will begin later this year and is expected to take 18 months.