Left: Daniel Robbins from FRH Landscapes plants a new deciduous crepe myrtle as part of Pakenham’s Main Street makeover.By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM’S Main Street has a sprucedup new look after work began on what will be an ongoing makeover of the central business district.
Gone are the ageing evergreen alder trees that provided shade and, according to some traders, blocked footpaths and blighted shops.
In their place are new deciduous crepe myrtles, which Cardinia Shire officials and business operators say will be a big improvement.
The council has planned a $400,000 rejuvenation of the area around Main Street over the next three years.
Parks and gardens coordinator Wendy Abbott said the first task was to remove the alder trees, which had begun to cause problems with footpaths and buildings.
“The alders had reached the end of their safe lifespan, and weren’t looking their best,” she said. “The new trees are deciduous crepe myrtles which could reach about five metres.
“They allow maximum natural light and improved lines of sight in winter, then provide flowers in spring, shade in summer and colour in autumn.
“If planted now, they should be in full leaf by summer.”
Main Street was closed to traffic on Sunday while workers removed the old trees and planted the new ones.
The existing avenue of large plane trees will also be maintained as the main shade trees in the strip, complemented by new plantings of flowering pears in John Street.
Cardinia Shire mayor Garry Runge said new pavement would be installed around the trees to maximise walking space and replace the old builtup beds.
“The tree roots have seriously damaged the pavement, creating a tripping hazard,” he said.
“The street might look initially bare with the new deciduous trees, but these will grow to create a safer, more attractive streetscape for decades to come.”
Next up, shoppers can expect to see the unveiling of decorative banners, which will be changed seasonally to promote events in the town.
Main Street business operator Richard Fromhold of Sportsworld said the new trees were a great improvement.
“I’m ecstatic, I think it’s wonderful,” he said.
Mr Fromhold said he had been lobbying for a long time to have the alder trees removed, saying they were unsightly and also blocked the view.
“It’s a lot safer now. People in cars can see pedestrians crossing and people can now see the shops. It’s a lot more open,” he said. “I’ve got a grin from ear to ear.”
Josephine Wilson of Cafe 127 also welcomed the change.
“I think the street looks a lot brighter,” she said.
