The future of Pakenham

In order to meet the needs of the population increase, higher density residential development was identified in the draft plan for Pakenham''s future.

By Jessica Anstice

Cardinia residents are invited to have their say on the draft plans for Pakenham’s town centre.

The Pakenham Structure Plan and the Pakenham Major Activity Centre Urban Design Framework will provide a blueprint for the town’s future development.

The updated draft plans for Pakenham’s town centre is divided into five sections, including land use and development, housing, building heights, set-backs, street frontages/facades, movement network and gateways and open space.

Looking forward, council seeks to attract more health and wellbeing services to the town centre, as well as increasing local employment opportunities.

A goal to significantly increase housing stock to accommodate for the estimated Pakenham population growth of more than 10,000 by 2036 is also on the to-do list.

As for gateways and open space, a public square or possible future entertainment plaza is proposed where Main Street will end, next to the level crossing and VicTrack will upgrade Bourke Park as a key transport hub and gateway to Pakenham.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Graeme Moore encouraged all residents to contribute and provide feedback on the draft plans.

“Council is inviting residents to help create a strong planning framework for Pakenham’s future,” Cr Moore said.

“We want to work together to create an inclusive, vibrant and sustainable town centre for generations to come.”

The Pakenham Structure Plan will guide land use within the activity centre, while the Urban Design Framework underpins the design requirements for developments including heights and setbacks and decision guidelines for the activity centre.

Have your say on a number of elements, including:

• Land use and development

• Road, cycle and pedestrian connections

• Housing options

• Open spaces and entrances

• The ‘Pakenham Place’ site

• Building heights, setbacks and facades

Feedback can be provided online at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/C228

Written feedback can be submitted via email mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or mailed to: Pakenham Major Activity Centre Consultation, Cardinia Shire Council, PO Box 7, Pakenham VIC 3810.

Alternatively, residents can have their say in person at the council drop-in sessions:

Main Street Pakenham

Wednesday 6 November: 10am–2pm

Saturday 9 November: 10am–1pm

Pakenham Library

Wednesday 27 November: 3–5pm

Saturday 30 November: 10–1pm

Consultation closes Friday 6 December.