Seats set to make a stand or visitors

AN EXCITING new art installation will add a sense of colour and animation to Dandenong’s premier outdoor shopping mall.
The Palm Plaza Seating project is one of a number of initiatives in Greater Dandenong designed to make the city more attractive and appealing to visitors and residents.
The new artworks will be launched on Tuesday 5 August at 10am by Planning Minister Justin Madden.
Revitalising Central Dandenong place manager Jenny Pemberton-Webb said two seating environments had been created in McCrae Street, which take inspiration from life in the suburbs.
The first art installation resembles a lounge room and the second has a kitchen theme, with everything from boiled eggs to free range chickens, she said.
“These sites were carefully selected at a junction where people naturally gravitate towards the great outdoors,” Ms Pemberton-Webb said. “The seats will create slow points in the mall where people can linger, meet friends, watch their children play and eat outdoors.”
Greater Dandenong mayor John Kelly said Palm Plaza played an important role in linking pedestrians with Dandenong Market, Dandenong Plaza and the adjoining shopping strip.
He said the artwork was a great investment in Central Dandenong which would build on the positive perceptions of the city.
“The unique design of this artwork will become a great talking point for residents and visitors to the city,” he said.
“It is all part of council’s commitment to create a more pleasant street environment that offers safer pedestrian crossings, more trees, improved lighting and integrated public art.”
Designed by artist Renata Slusarski, the Palm Plaza Seating project was funded by the City of Greater Dandenong and the Dandenong Development Board.