CEO calms retail fears

By Paul Dunlop
MAJOR retailers will not bypass Pakenham to set up shop at Fountain Gate or other nearby centres, according to Cardinia Shire’s CEO.
The assurance comes as the neighbouring City of Casey recently launched concept plans for an activity centre that will include a major new retail centre in Narre Warren.
According to Don Welsh the local area held plenty of attraction for big business.
He said it was more likely that major retailers would look at having a presence in both centres.
The new centre is expected to try to woo several new big business operators.
However, Mr Welsh dismissed any suggestion the new development would lessen interest in Pakenham. “They are completely separate markets,” Mr Welsh said.
“We don’t have to try and convince them (businesses) to come here they’re coming to us.”
Mr Welsh said the recent start to construction of the Pakenham Bypass had helped heighten business interest in the area.
He said Bunnings warehouse, which is to be a key part of plans for the new homemaker precinct on the western outskirts of town, was an example of major retailers looking to have a presence in both Cardinia and Casey.
The council and other authorities expect the completion of the $242 million project in 2007 would open the door for a new era in the district’s growth and vitality.
Mr Welsh said the council was in discussion with a number of retailers interested in coming to Pakenham. He said it was hoped some announcements could be made soon.
Mr Welsh’s comments came as the council moves ahead to turn land formerly earmarked for a new civic centre precinct into a major shopping and entertainment hub in the heart of Pakenham.
A cinema is among the possible options for the land behind Pakenham Library although nothing has yet been confirmed.
Some years ago the council bought several adjoining parcels of land as part of a plan to relocate the shire offices into a new onestop centre that was to also incorporate the town’s library and Southern Health.
That plan fell apart last July when Southern Health pulled out of the project, announcing instead that it would retain its current Pakenham headquarters on the Princes Highway and pour more money into improving other centres.
The move was the subject of plenty of debate at the time and has sparked speculation in the community over the future of the John Street/Henry Street land.
In the council’s 200405 annual report, released recently, Mr Welsh said the Henry Street site, assembled by the council at a cost of about $1 million, remained a valuable asset that had since quadrupled in value.
“Our development project partners have continued with a plan to create a revitalised retail heart on the site while leaving to council arrangements for civic centre office accommodation,” the CEO said.