By ANEEKA SIMONIS
EARLY design plans have been drawn up for a 60-room motel to be built next to a major entertainment venue in Pakenham.
Land next to the Cardinia Club has been sold off to a developer which plans to build the large-scale accommodation centre along Racecourse Road.
Owner of BFN Developments Brett Neilson said the company is finalising planning and design details before submitting the application to Cardinia Shire Council which expressed a need for accommodation in the area.
The council’s co-ordinator for Economic Development Andrew Pomeroy said accommodation services in the region “have been lacking for some time”, citing a need for additional conference facilities to enhance the area’s attractiveness for business conferences.
“There certainly is a need for serviced apartments or hotel style accommodation in the area.
“It would also assist locals with accommodating guests, businesses who have medium to short-term visitors and support multi-day conference development within the region,” he said.
Mr Neilson said the current $8 million motel design includes a conference facility.
The land, owned by Pakenham Racing Club, was sold to the developer months ago, according to CEO Michael Hodge.
“The shire has been screaming out for motel accommodation, so we’re really excited about that.
“There is a lack of quality motel accommodation in Pakenham and the greater Cardinia Shire area,” he said.
“From our point of view, it will work well together with the Cardinia Club.”
The council’s Manager for Strategic and Economic Development Tracey Parker said the council has been in contact with the developer.
“Council is yet to receive a planning application for such a development,” she said.
