Mock sod to soon turn real

– Melissa Meehan
PAKENHAM’S Marketplace is one step closer to reality with a mock sod turning held at the site on Monday.
While Woolworths are keeping tight-lipped about the actual start date, senior development manager Lindsay Rowles said construction would begin this month.
“Just a couple of permit issues are holding us back,” Mr Rowles said.
“We are working with council to resolve those.”
Mr Rowles was not keen to comment further on the works, except to say he was excited about work starting within the month, possibly in the final two weeks of July.
He was joined by Cardinia Shire Council mayor Graeme Legge, who said the exciting retail site would see a stage development of the construction area. He also reminded Pakenham shoppers and retailers of the four week staged closure of the Treloar Lane car park.
A map highlighting new and existing off-street car parking areas in Pakenham has been distributed to Main Street business operators for their employees and customers – and is also available at the council offices.
Mr Rowles said the Pakenham Marketplace was an important development for the town, which has grown rapidly and in need of new, modern retail facilities.
“The local community will benefit from around 700 new jobs, along with office space and car parking,” he said.
“We are looking forward to serving customers and the local community at the end of next year.”
Construction is expected to be finished by the end of 2011.