Town’s need for a silver screen

CINEMAS, schools and car parking. That’s what Pakenham Business Group president Michael Porter sees as vital infrastructure to service the town’s booming population.
Mr Porter said he was happy to see more people flock to Pakenham, but was concerned about the provision of such services.
“I think it’s exciting that Pakenham is growing at the rate it’s growing,” he said.
“But we need to make sure we consider the infrastructure to go with the growth – as in car parking, railway stations and schools and those type of things.”
Pakenham’s population is about 26,698 and is expected to climb to 44,579 by 2016 and 57,548 by 2031.
Mr Porter said he was keen to see the establishment of a Catholic secondary college in Pakenham. He said the Pakenham Racecourse, which will go on the market by the year’s end when the club moves to a new site in Nar Nar Goon, would provide a perfect location.
“I’d love to see a Catholic secondary college in the town. I know the Diocese of Sale is looking at it,” he said.
Mr Porter said the Pakenham Racecourse might also be an ideal site for a cinema. It is understood the Cardinia Shire Council is in discussions with cinema chains, but none is willing to commit until Pakenham’s population increases further.
A connector road from Racecourse Road to Henry Street is planned to run through the racecourse when it moves, while high-density housing and medical facilities have also been suggested for the site.
Mr Porter said the last thing he wanted to see was a retail development at the racecourse site, saying it was important to keep the major retail areas in close proximity of each other.
Mr Porter was looking forward to seeing the $80 million retail hub completed, and was hopeful it would link up to the Main Street.
“Apparently they are going to link the new sites with walkways to the arcades,” he said.