800 units at Metro

A NEW development in central Dandenong will deliver more than 800 new apartments – but it isn’t being welcomed by all.
Burbank has acquired three development sites at Dandenong’s Metro Village 3175, where it will construct a high density development of over 800 apartments and retail/office space.
Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association President Jim Houlahan said the higher level developments are generally a positive use of land but questioned whether apartments would be the most valuable addition.
“The medium rise elements of the proposed development appears to be generally efficient use of the land, however I would make a number of suggestions that I would see as a preferable use of Metro Village 3175,” he said.
Mr Houlahan said considering the land for the new municipal offices would place the facility close to transport hubs and Dandenong’s CBD.
“Construction of new council offices, libraries and convention facilities on this site would be a positive attempt to efficiently utilise this land and capitalise on it close proximity to all services,” he said.
Mr Houlahan also suggested a multi-deck carpark or new TAFE for the land.
Burbank managing director Jarrod Sanfilippo said Stage one is due to be launched to the market in August or September this year and construction will begin in mid-2012.
“We are thrilled to now be in the planning stages of such a large apartment development within the central activity district of Dandenong,” Mr Sanfilippo said.
“Burbank has been involved in Metro Village 3175 since its inception in 2005, so to be developing a project of this magnitude within Metro is thrilling.”
Greater Dandenong Council Development Services Director Mal Baker said the Metro 3175 Development is an urban renewal project on the former saleyards site.
“Whilst other uses were considered Council’s vision and requirement is that the site is established as a residential precinct with some small retail component integrated on the Cheltenham Road frontage,”Mr Baker said.
“Council expects that a planning application will be lodged in the near future.”