Historic site’s motel bid

The St James' Village precinct is of local historical, aesthetic and architectural significance to Cardinia Shire. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS 220779_03

By Mitchell Clarke

The future of one of Pakenham’s most iconic streetscapes is up in the air, after an application to transform the site into a motel was lodged with Cardinia Shire Council.

The Gazette understands the heritage listed St James’ Village on Dame Pattie Avenue, which is currently sitting vacant, has attracted the attention of a Preston-based developer.

Cardinia Shire Council development and compliance services manager Owen Hardidge said the application was lodged on 29 October.

“An application for a planning permit has recently been received by council. It is at an early stage of consideration,” Mr Hardidge said.

Mr Hardidge said the application sought permission to change the use of the land to a motel and reduce the number of car parking spaces.

The exact nature of the motel remains unknown. The applicant did not respond to several requests for comment from the Gazette.

The village, which is made up of 18 self-contained dwellings, was listed for sale online earlier this year.

The advertisement at the time said: “This 1950’s complex was an elderly independent living accommodation village and has all the hallmarks and is ready to revitalised by its new owners. The current Vendors are looking to dispose of the multiple dwelling complex which sits on one title.”

The St James’ Village precinct is of local historical, aesthetic and architectural significance to Cardinia Shire, according to the Heritage Council Victoria.

It was built in response to the “ever-increasing need” for aged care accommodation in the post -war era, with the site officially opened by the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne in 1959. All houses were completed by 1962.

In 1960, the Victorian Director of Social Services described the site as “the best complex of its kind” in the state.

Pakenham resident Tony O’Hara said the developer needed to ensure the site was preserved.

“It’s a significant feature of Pakenham, even though not many people know about it. It’s historic and I love the design of the area, so to lose it would be just terrible,” he said.

“If it does become a motel, it could be a good thing to preserve the buildings. It’s very quaint, so I hope that presence is restored.”

Mr Hardidge confirmed the application would be publicly advertised in “due course.”