Market plans surge ahead

By Nathan Johnston
A PENDING VCAT decision has not stopped the City of Greater Dandenong from charging ahead with plans to start the $15 million Dandenong Market redevelopment.
The council decided on Monday to sign a lease agreement with supermarket chain ALDI and choose a contractor to complete stage one of the works.
Both decisions will hinge on the outcome of the VCAT decision to be announced in late October or early November.
The initial hearing in July was prompted by an appeal from the Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association. The tribunal agreed with the association that the market plans were inadequate, and requested more details from the council to allow for a ruling. The association also objected to council’s deal with ALDI, claiming the company was getting a free ride and that a supermarket would have a detrimental impact on sales at the market.
Stage one of the project is worth $3.2million and includes the construction of a 1500 square metre supermarket to be leased to ALDI for the next 15 years.
Other works include new loading docks for the produce market, drainage improvements, upgrades to the underground car park’s lighting and finishes, and improved lighting at the King Street car park.
But CEO Carl Wulff said none of the works would go ahead if VCAT denies the council the required permit.
Cr Paul Donovan said he understood residents’ concerns with the ALDI deal, but said it was necessary for the overall market redevelopment.
“It’s like having to eat your vegetables before you get dessert. We have to stomach the ALDI part of it first,” Cr Donovan said
“If it was put at the other end of the process, it may have received more community support.
“It will make a profit, and it will provide income over time. I initially struggled to support it, but I have been convinced that we can live with ALDI as part of the redevelopment.
“I’d like to thank the Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Group which has raised some insightful issues throughout the process, and forced the council to ask the hard questions,” he said.
Cr Peter Brown said he had similar reservations about the proposal, but was now convinced the council was on a winner.
“My initial concerns have been allayed. In 10 years’ time we will have recouped those costs of building the supermarket, and in the final five years of the contract we will be making pure profit,” he said.
But Cr David Kelly said the council should wait until the VCAT decision before proceeding any further.
“I can’t see why we can’t defer it until after the VCAT decision has been announced,” Cr Kelly said
“I think it’s an inappropriate development. I’m representing the community. They own the land.
“We’re putting a hell of a lot of money into it to give ALDI a building and a car park. I know who’s in front and it ain’t the City of Greater Dandenong,” he said.