Square opens Dandy’s future

By MELISSA MEEHAN
AN OPEN space, similar to that of Melbourne’s Federation Square, is coming to Dandenong.
Works are expected to begin on the site that will see a new state-of-the-art regional library over 2500 square metres complete with the latest technology; an outdoor space designed in the spirit of Federation Square; and a range of community meeting rooms.
The open space is perfect for the many cultural festivals and community events held in Dandenong as well as the plan to have a big screen like Federation Square.
It will become a city centre for many in the south-east as well as the Gippsland corridor.
Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean announced the $6 million regional development funding last Wednesday the Drum Theatre beside Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus.
Both said the $62 million precinct, which will be built in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong, would generate economic and social dividends for the area.
“The Dandenong Connects project is a great example of the three levels of government working in partnership to get a project up and running,” Mr Crean said.
“This project stacks up and joins the dots between addressing local priorities, leveraging other funding resources and sustaining the economic and social future of the region.”
City of Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said the funding would play a major part in fulfilling the vision for the flagship project of the revitalised Central Dandenong, which will act as the new heart for the entire south-east region.
“Dandenong has a long history connecting Greater Melbourne to Gippsland and beyond,” Cr Chea said.
“This is through our famed stock markets, our thriving manufacturing industry and now this facility of regional significance.”
The project will create an estimated 63 jobs each year in the retail and hospitality industries.
Mr Dreyfus congratulated the City of Greater Dandenong for delivering a project that ticks all of the regional development boxes.
“The community infrastructure will make an important contribution to the region as it continues to grow and act as a central business hub for regions across Victoria,” he said.
“Projects such as these have been selected for funding because they demonstrate clear, long-term regional benefits, including jobs and opportunities for the broader region.”
Works on the site, which is located directly diagonally opposite to the Drum Theatre, is expected to start on 1 July with the project set to be completed by 2014.