Cinema action set for sequel

By Paul Dunlop
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new shopping and entertainment centre in Pakenham – including a cinema – are back on the agenda.
Developer Peter Gillon is again taking his multimilliondollar proposal to transform the former Pakenham Consolidated School site to the Cardinia Shire Council.
The council last year refused to remove planning controls that restrict development of the Main Street site.
It was felt that Pakenham was not ready for such a significant expansion of its commercial precinct.
Mr Gillon said he was hoping for a change of heart.
A Big W department store, supermarket, petrol station, entertainment centre and 20 specialty shops are among the Gillon Group’s plans.
Mr Gillon said his proposal would be outlined to the council at a briefing session scheduled last night (Tuesday).
He said with the new council claiming to be more open and approachable than its predecessor, he was hopeful of a different reception this time around.
“We are having a meeting with council and we’re hoping for a strong hearing,” Mr Gillon said.
“Our belief is that this development is something that is needed and that the consolidated school site is where it should go.
“There’s not much else I can say at the moment. We’ll see how it pans out.”
Any proposal involving a cinema is sure to attract interest, as such a facility is often said by residents to be sorely needed in the town.
The Gillon plan also includes 1100 car parking spaces – another talking point in the fastgrowing community.
The council’s conditions on the site currently allow for the cinema and ‘bulky’ goods retail, offices and housing, but prohibit development of the area as a shopping centre.
The conditions were meant to prevent the business district from fragmenting.
When the Gillon bid previously went before the council in February 2005, traders and councillors were concerned the proposal could split the town’s business area.
Operators of existing shops signed a petition opposing retail development on the site.
Depending on the outcome of last night’s discussions, a formal application would go before the council for a decision at a future meeting.
It remains to be seen how councillors will view the latest Gillon bid.
Mayor Bill Ronald has previously spoken in favour of the proposal, but several other councillors were strongly opposed to it last time around.
Councillor Kate Lempriere told the Gazette yesterday she remained unconvinced it was a good idea.
Cr Lempriere said the council had always strongly supported the notion of a cinema for Pakenham but was concerned that retail development on the old consolidated school site was inappropriate.
“I am fiercely opposed to anything that will split the town’s commercial area,” she said.
“We need to support our existing business operators.”
The former consolidated school site is between Main Street and McGregor Road and has been vacant since the school was relocated several years ago.
It was bought later by the Gillon Group, which is also developing a number of residential subdivisions in Pakenham.
Mr Gillon said he knew there were certain requirements on the land when his company bought the site but believed the time was right for change.