Main Street mall unlikely

A MAIN Street mall is looking unlikely after civic leaders paved the way for an $80 million retail hub in Pakenham’s CBD.
But the council may move recently installed pedestrian crossings at both ends of Main Street after complaints from traders.
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Pearson said councillors were yet to receive a report on the future of Pakenham’s retail heartland, but it was doubtful the council would close off the main shopping strip to traffic.
“All the advice we have is that there won’t be a mall,” he said.
“We haven’t received a formal report, but traders don’t appear to want it and with the new John Street ($40 million) development it’s not appropriate.”
Cr Pearson said that although a mall was unlikely, the council was looking at moving the pedestrian crossings at both ends of Main Street.
“They have to be realigned – they can’t be at two ends of the street,” he said.
In January, members of the Pakenham Business Group (PBG) called for the council to review its placement of crossings in Main Street.
The council installed the pedestrian crossings after a detailed traffic study approved by VicRoads.
– Melissa Grant