Shopping centre taking shape

By Jade Lawton
THE Pakenham Marketplace development has been a hive of activity in recent weeks and the complex should be completed within 12 months.
Woolworths community relations manager Simon Berger said construction was progressing well.
“The bulk of excavation works are done, concrete structure poured and work on the surrounding road networks completed,” he said.
“We’re on track to be open at the end of 2011.
“The Marketplace will include one of the very latest Woolworths supermarkets, along with a Big W, Dick Smith electronics, and also a variety of specialty shops and offices. It will deliver new choice, range and value for a growing community, as well as jobs and investment that will benefit the local community.”
The $80 million development, bounded by John Street, Henry Street, Cook Drive and Treloar Lane, is expected to create 700 jobs and should encourage shoppers to stay local.
Car parking will also get a boost, with 800 undercover car parks to be incorporated in to the complex, making it the only undercover parking centre south-east of Chadstone.
The Kooweerup Woolworths development, on Station Street, is also progressing fast.
“We are looking forward to having our (Kooweerup) store open in the second half of next year,” Mr Berger said.