Council land for sale in Springvale

By Melissa Meehan
COUNCIL has decided to sell a parcel of land in central Springvale for use as a mixed use development.
During last week’s council meeting councillors agreed in principle to start the legal process to transfer ownership of a section of land at 8 Balmoral Avenue in Springvale to Joleta Nominees Pty Ltd.
If approved, the land will be used for a development incorporating a council-owned 456-space multi-deck car park and a town square with public seating, together with privately owned retail shops and residential apartments.
Development services director Mal Baker said the proposed development would bring long-term benefits to central Springvale.
“There has been a long-standing need to consolidate, diversify and extend the Springvale shopping area,” Mr Baker said.
“The proposed development will include 41 street-level retail shops and two levels of residential apartment units.”
Mr Baker said the development would help improve the overall look and feel of the shopping precinct and provide much-needed additional car parking in Springvale.
“This is an excellent opportunity to integrate retail areas and add a residential component to the Springvale activity centre,” Mr Baker said.
“The development will also provide an attractive shopping environment, secure community amenities and markedly improve the shopping centre’s parking facilities.”
If council approves the land sale, work on the development is expected to begin in early 2009.