Plan for new civic home unveiled

By Nicole Williams
DETAILS of the Greater Dandenong’s new municipal building project are being unveiled.
The development agreement between council and Places Victoria (formerly VicUrban) for the civic site was put before council at Monday night’s meeting with a number of key dates and activities.
The land, bounded by Lonsdale, Walker and Thomas streets, will be divided into three sections, of which council will initially acquire only one parcel for the civic buildings.
The report tabled at council proposes that Parcel A, to be acquired by mid next year, will include the new Dandenong Library, council chamber, community meeting space and council administration offices.
It is estimated to cost up to $4.2 million for council to obtain unrestricted access to the land.
Parcel C will be used for an open air plaza and events space and Parcel B will be temporarily landscaped but may be developed at a later date.
“Council and Places Victoria will work together to attract a third party developer to acquire and develop Parcel B to accommodate a building of complementary use to the council’s office,” the report said.
Construction on the site is expected to start on 31 January 2013 and be completed before 31 December 2014.
At the council meeting on Monday night, Councillor John Kelly said the new civic centre would be a major development for the city.
“This is just the start of something for this city,” he said.
“It will help retail and other business right through the city and is the first step of many to come.”