Mall splits retailers

TRADERS have mixed feelings about transforming Main Street into a shopping mall.
A modest 55 per cent of 51 traders who responded to a Gazette survey were against the proposal, saying it would only add to Pakenham’s parking woes and hurt businesses.
The results come as civic leaders prepare to examine the future of Pakenham’s Central Business District, including the possibility of closing the main shopping strip to traffic.
Central Ward councillor George Blenkhorn first flagged the idea in January, saying it had long been a dream of his to have a mall down Main Street.
He said there was no need for cars to be travelling from one end of Main Street to the other – but a lot of traders disagree.
They say closing the street to vehicles would result in less foot traffic in the CBD.
Neil Mchatchie, Great Australian Bakehouse owner: “If there is no through traffic businesses will suffer.”
Lazy Frog owner Tracy Priest echoed Mr Mchatchie’s comments.
“I believe you need activity – hustle and bustle,” she said.
Many of those surveyed also said a mall would exacerbate Pakenham’s parking problems.
Café 127 owner Michelle Matthes: “I think people will stop shopping here, as there are already enough problems with parking in Pakenham.”
However, 35 per cent of respondents supported Cr Blenkhorn’s call for a shopping mall. Ten per cent were unsure.
Those in favour said a mall would make Pakenham’s retail heartland more family friendly and give shoppers a unique experience.
Pakenham Optical owner Warren Cawcutt: “I think it would be more shopper-friendly for families. It would increase walk through of possible clients.”
Andrew King, partner of Daily Grind on Main: “It will improve the whole outlook of Main Street, making it safer with no traffic.”
The councillors’ review of Pakenham’s main retail area will be presented to council before 1 April.