Marketplace fences start going up

– Melissa Meehan
PAKENHAM shoppers will notice fences going up around the Pakenham Marketplace site this morning, as preparation for construction begins.
The gradual closure of car parks will be in three stages, with the site-office fencing expected to be erected by the end of the week.
The staged closure of car parks will continue until early August, with construction expected to begin on August 9.
Cardinia Shire Council has negotiated with Woolworths a staged development of the construction area, in particular the Treloar Lane car park, which will progressively close over a four-week period.
Mayor Graeme Legge said people accustomed to parking in Treloar Lane could still park their cars well within walking distance of the shops.
“Council has made extra off street car parks at locations, including the corner of Henry Street and Cook Drive, corner of Henry and John streets and PB Ronald Reserve,” Cr Legge said.
“More spaces will be created in John Street, at the old police station site in the coming months.”
Additional car parks will be clearly signed and residents are advised to check signs before they park as time restrictions apply in some areas.
Throughout the construction period, council will continue to work closely with Woolworths, the Pakenham Business Group, business operators and the wider community.
The council, in partnership with Pakenham Business Group, is also looking to reward loyal shoppers who continue to shop locally with plans to be announced soon.
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. It is also available from the council offices.