By Shaun Inguanzo
SPRINGVALE won’t be able to compete with Dandenong despite a list of sweeping changes that stand to strengthen the city’s status as a destination.
So says Springvale Central Ward councillor Youhorn Chea after councillors this week voted to begin preparing the C73 Amendment – a blueprint that will allow for radical changes to take place in Springvale over the next 15 to 20 years.
The City of Greater Dandenong council has been working since November 2006 to consult with residents and traders in central Springvale about how best to revitalise the city as is required under the State Government’s Melbourne 2030 strategy, in which Springvale is marked as a key activity centre.
Among the changes Springvale could experience over the next 15 to 20 years are plans to place the train station and surrounding rail underneath Springvale Road to open up rail reservation for development and to remove the divide between precincts north and south of the track.
The council is also calling for a report into whether or not dedicated bus lanes along Springvale Road would be possible following the opening of EastLink, which the council anticipates will remove much of the traffic congestion. The council also plans to make Springvale the premier destination for Asian foods in Melbourne.
It is proposing that Springvale’s current low density housing be eventually rezoned for higher density housing, as Residential 2 zone.
According to a report before councillors on Monday night, this could include residential living on the top floors of commercial premises.
The council is proposing that a town square be formed in the revitalised Springvale to ‘build upon the busy street characteristics of Springvale’.
Springvale Central Ward councillor Youhorn Chea said the work so far by council officers should be commended, and he was looking forward to Springvale’s future.
Cr Chea said the council had already approached the State Government about placing the train station underground.
But he said that since the amalgamation of Springvale and Dandenong councils to become Greater Dandenong, Springvale had, and would likely continue to play second fiddle to Dandenong, which is the subject of a State Government $290 million revitalisation project.
“I think Springvale is to become much, much better in 20 or 30 years. But we can’t compete with Dandenong. I want it to be the same, but since amalgamation Springvale is almost a second town after Dandenong, because Dandenong is more central.
“But anyway, Springvale should be good as well,” Cr Chea said.
Councillors unanimously voted on Monday night for council officers to seek the Planning Minister’s permission to prepare the C73 Amendment.
The council plans to exhibit the amendment to the public by as early as April, with submissions welcome.
A planning panel, if necessary, could be formed as early as August, otherwise an approval could be granted by a similar time.
Which city do you see becoming a more popular destination after its revitalisation – Springvale, or Dandenong? Email your thoughts to editor@starnewsgroup.com.au, or post them to Letters to the Editor, Greater Dandenong Star, PO Box 9, Pakenham, VIC, 3810.
