Business tick for plan

PAKENHAM Business Group president Michael Porter has welcomed plans for an $80 million retail centre.
Parking has been a pet subject of the PBG since its formation, so Mr Porter was particularly excited about the prospect of underground parking.
“It’s great – the 869 extra parks are desperately needed,” he said.
Mr Porter predicted the precinct would boost trading in Pakenham’s CBD, not hinder it.
“It should keep people from going to Fountain Gate so hopefully it (trading) continues to grow,” he said.
“The growth of Pakenham is so big it (the precinct) wouldn’t affect existing shops – they should complement each other.”
Mr Porter was also pleased the council was examining the location of pedestrian crossings in Main Street.
The placement of crossings near roundabouts at both ends of the street has been a bone of contention for the PBG.
“We’re in favour of the crossings not being so close to the roundabouts,” Mr Porter said.
“It will be good to see commonsense prevail if they do move them.”
Mr Porter has now called on the council to have designated staff parking in the proposed development.
He wants a system so that traders and shoppers don’t park in each other’s spots.
The council voted to notify the public of its intention to sell the parcel of land in question last Friday.
Mr Porter was hopeful the development would go ahead, after Consolidated Properties pulled the plug on plans for a $40 retail hub at the site last August.
“I’m hoping it doesn’t fall over,” he said.
Mr Porter said the business community could learn more about the proposal when Mr McQuillan addresses the next general meeting of the Pakenham Business Group on Monday (27 April) from 6pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Anyone wanting to attend should RSVP to group secretary Michelle Tones at m.tones@pakenham.countryracing.com.au