By Corey Everitt
Cardinia Shire Council’s planned revamp of Main Street Pakenham has been labelled a ‘farce’ by frustrated businesses after complications have delayed the start date by nine months where construction is expected to go over this year’s busy Christmas period.
Stage 1 of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project is Cardinia Shire Council’s ambitious plan to revamp the centre of Pakenham; starting with Main Street.
It was scheduled to start in January this year after a long consultation period in late 2023.
In late March, as no work had been started, the council notified Main Street traders regarding the absence of anticipated works and declared that the start-date had been delayed to September 2024.
The council explained the delay was due to internal design issues that pushed the schedule to conflict with ongoing works from the State Government, such as the Pakenham Level Crossing Removal or the Pakenham Community Hospital.
“Delays are being experienced due to complex design issues with drainage, services and footpath levels across Main Street,” the notice to business said.
“Unfortunately, these delays have resulted in flow-on impacts, as the timeframes now conflict with road closures across interfacing State Government projects.
“These impacts are because no more than one arterial road leading into Pakenham can be closed at the same time.”
The notice said the council expects works to begin in September 2024 “pending final design and further approvals from State Government authorities.”
Terry from Terry’s Pakenham Discounts said the process is ‘farcical’.
“That’s the worst time, it will go through Christmas, our busiest time,” he said.
“It’s pretty frustrating for the retailer when you are trying to plan, we try to order ahead for Christmas.”
Local business went through extensive consultation with the council last year on the project, with many preparing for the expected disruptions in January.
Charlie Demaio, owner of men’s wear store Men of Style on Main Street believes the communication from council needs to be more clear.
“I suppose, it’s frustrating that it keeps on getting delayed and we need a firm date, and we need the disruptions and the timelines,” he said.
“We just want something rock solid, so we can go okay, it’s happening.
“Because it affects how you trade and how you forecast your trends.”
Demaio has his criticism of the project, but overall supports the project.
“I have no problem with it going forward, the street does need a clean up, I just have a problem with the change to parallel parking which I think will be just a nightmare,” he said.
“But is it going to be a 12 month project? That’s what I’ve been told, others have been told 6 months, that’s the sort of problem we are having with the information.”
The council’s General Manager Infrastructure and Environment, Peter Benazic confirmed it would be closer to 12 months.
“Works are now expected to start in September 2024 and be completed in late 2025,“ Benazic said.
“Council is currently working on detailed design plans for Stage 1, and once complete, a tender process will be undertaken to appoint a contractor.
“Council is working with the Victorian Government to effectively manage funding timelines and carefully coordinate with multiple neighbouring state-level projects.
“Council will continue to work with impacted businesses and the community to understand how best to assist and support them through construction and work to minimise disruptions. We are committed to collaborating with the community to develop a Pakenham that we can all be proud to visit and call home.“
