By BEN CAMERON
A RETIREMENT village will be built on the former Pakenham Consolidated School site in Main Street.
The Gazette first revealed, back in November 2014, a village was one option open to council on a piece of land described as a “prime site on the entrance to Pakenham” by Central Ward Councillor George Blenkhorn.
The area, which was also described as an “eyesore” by Central Ward Councillor Kate Lempriere, had been mooted to hold a cinema at one stage.
Retirement Communities Australia had its permit approved on 19 February to develop a “retirement community” on the Main Street site.
“The applicant can begin works once the requirements of the planning permit have been finalised, a building permit is obtained and any other relevant requirements are met,” Council manager Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson said.
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor had hoped the site might become a public park.
“I have also had many conversations with people who see the site, including the Federation Oak tree, as very significant in Pakenham recent history and who believed it could become a public park,” she said.
“I have had to explain it is developer-owned land and inevitably some commercial development will eventually be approved by council.”
Meanwhile manager Policy and Governance Doug Evans said council had no specific plans for the former St James Church and adjacent chapel building on the corner of Main Street and McGregor Road, Pakenham.
Mrs O’Connor hoped the church would be used to serve the community.
“Let’s hope it is used for community-related purposes rather than for commercial purposes,” she said.
Retirement Communities Australia did not respond to the Gazette’s request for a comment.
