Above: A hint of future downtown Dandenong.By Nathan Johnston
DANDENONG is set to enter a period of major change following a $92.8 million State Government investment.
Monday’s announcement marked the beginning of a 1015 year plan to redevelop the centre of Dandenong.
The project is tipped to attract up to $1 billion of investment from the private sector, create 5000 jobs and 4000 new homes within 25 years.
Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos said Dandenong was now ripe for the opportunities it had previously missed out on.
“The central business district needs more care from the government and the private sector,” Mr Pandazopoulos said. “Under this project, vacant stores will become great places to shop, empty streets will become interesting places to wander and explore.
“The project will swap the lack of city living for vibrant cosmopolitan neighbourhoods.
“Wasted spaces can become inviting cafes, restaurants and entertainment locations.”
Major Projects Minister John Lenders described the project as Victoria’s biggest urban renewal development since Melbourne Docklands.
“This will make Dandenong and Melbourne’s south east one of Victoria’s most dynamic and prosperous regions,” he said.
VicUrban, the State Government’s urban development body, will work with the City of Greater Dandenong, the community and the Planning Minister to develop plans in the next three months.
The $92.8m will be broken up into $50.3m to buy and redevelop land in central Dandenong, $17.5m to build the George Street Bridge, linking southern Dandenong with the CBD, and $25m for the residential development at the former Dandenong Saleyards. A onestop shop for investors will be established immediately.
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Maria Sampey said the project would boost the city’s profile and give it an advantage over competitors.
“Dandenong is indeed the hub of the growing southeast corridor,” Cr Sampey said.
“The announcement of the necessary upfront funding and the creation of a onestop shop are positive steps in ensuring a bright and prosperous future for Dandenong.
“Council recognises the fact that Dandenong is competing with other areas – especially when it comes to attracting investment from the private sector.”
Council CEO Carl Wulff said the announcement heralded Dandenong as a leader in change for the future with unprecedented employment, business growth and lifestyle opportunities.
“High quality retail, business and investment opportunities, extensive leisure options and improved access to transport are all part of the longterm plans for Dandenong,” he said. “Those plans will be delivered thanks to the confidence shown by the state government investing money and faith in Dandenong as a destination.”
Cr Peter Brown said the amount of funding was above expectations.
“This is much more than we ever dreamed of,” he said.
“A lot of our plans are already falling into place, but this really represents the rebirth of Dandenong in a major way.”
Dandenong Retail Traders Association president Roy Aspinall said he was also impressed, but wouldn’t get carried away.
“We’ve been promised things like this in the past, but I think it’s excellent if it’s all delivered, particularly the bridge over the railway to connect the station to the city,” he said.
