‘Hub’ plans underway

PLANS are underway to turn land formerly earmarked for a new civic centre precinct into a major shopping and entertainment hub in the heart of Pakenham.
Cardinia Shire Council was said to be negotiating with a number of potential retailers for the site, on the corner of John and Henry streets.
A cinema is among the possible options for the site although nothing has yet been confirmed.
Council some years ago bought several adjoining parcels of land as part of a plan to relocate the shire offices to a new onestop centre that was also to incorporate the town’s library and Southern Health.
That plan fell apart last July when Southern Health pulled out of the project, announcing that it would retain its current Pakenham headquarters on the Princes Highway and pour more money into improving other centres instead.
The move was the subject of debate at the time and has sparked plenty of speculation in the community over the future of the John Street land.
Council chief executive officer Don Welsh said he hoped there could be some announcement soon.
In council’s 200405 annual report, released earlier this month, Mr Welsh said the John 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, whilst leaving to council arrangements for civic centre office accommodation,” the CEO said.
Adding further intrigue to the situation is the need for council to make a decision on its future accommodation arrangements.
The current shire headquarters in Henty Way have been said to be inadequate to service the needs of the fastgrowing local population.
It is believed the council is likely to remain where it is and renovate rather than relocate.
However, a decision is unlikely until after the November elections.