By ALANA MITCHELSON
CARDINIA Shire Council has released an artist’s impression for the new Officer Town Centre development.
Earlier this year, Cardinia Shire Council released the Officer Town Centre Urban Design Framework draft, inviting community feedback which is currently under review.
“The framework includes everything from land use requirements, buildings and parks to information about trees, signs and walking and cycling paths,” Mayor Jodie Owen said.
“We want to ensure the Officer town centre is a vibrant, attractive and sustainable town centre that residents can enjoy with pride.”
The Officer precinct is planned to be an urban main-street centre focused around the Officer railway station to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use.
Cardinia Shire Council strategic and economic development manager Tracey Parker said the town centre would include supermarkets, discount department stores, a cinema, specialty retail shops, offices and high-density residential housing.
It would also have a range of open space areas and community facilities including a library, community centre, aquatic centre and council’s civic centre.
“The design of the town centre will include strong links to the surrounding natural environment such as Gum Scrub Creek and natural parkland,” Ms Parker said.
“Its design will encourage use during the day and night.”
A major feature of the initial plans was the seven-screen cinema complex with a dining precinct and retail shops. A permit was issued for a cinema, but it has since expired.
A council spokesperson said the developer was yet to apply for another permit.
“We are still showing a cinema in the town centre masterplan, however it is up to a developer to apply for a permit. The previous permit has now expired and cannot be renewed,” the spokesperson said.
“Council is actively working with developers to encourage the development of Officer Town Centre, however there are no current planning permits or planning applications.”
Council is in the process of reviewing eight community submissions and consulting with developers.
The Officer Precinct Structure Plan can be accessed at www.mpa.vic.gov.au
