By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
COULD property north of Springvale’s railway line be the new site for a library and town hall?
Springvale Asian Business Association spokesman Stan Chang said a “sizeable block” of shops and factories on the north-west corner of the Springvale Road former level crossing had particular economic potential.
“The best use with most economic value would be commercial shops and offices – it’s close to the station for people to catch the train to work.”
But another possibility could be to ‘move’ Springvale’s library and town hall – with beautifying parklands – to “capitalise” on the more accessible location, he argues.
This would leave the existing civic-library-hall precinct for housing re-development – and tip upside down Greater Dandenong’s master plan for the precinct.
Councillor Sean O’Reilly said the plan, with large open-space expanses, was part of a payback for building Springvale police station on parkland.
“The idea behind the masterplan was that commitment to retain open space.
“The council is always open to new ideas. But you also have to consider most residents live on the south side of the station.”
Cr O’Reilly said the masterplan would revive the precinct’s under-utilised open areas with a playground, sport areas, a plaza and a much-expanded library.
He said the council could sell off its former depot site and still retain a “huge amount” of open space.
“It’s not just about having lots of open space but it’s how it can best be used.”
Cr O’Reilly said the level-crossing removal had opened up Springvale’s potential.
“With Springvale, it is bursting with energy. The more (the) council can do to assist with traffic and parking, the more the place will boom.”
For the record, Mr Chang said high-rise apartments near the railway station were his “third best” option because of their lack of amenity.
“Though from an economic point of view, for retailers it would be great to have more people living nearby.”
