The barren wasteland is set for major redevelopment. By Danielle Galvin
DEVELOPMENT at the former General Motors site in Dandenong is set to create more jobs in the south-east, with plans for a major home-improvement store and business park at the barren site.
The Estate One development owned by Cbus Property will make use of the 46-hectare Princes Highway space.
“Anything that develops the site is excellent, it’s dormant at the moment,” said Roy Aspinall, chairperson of the Dandenong Retail Traders Association.
The Woolworths-owned Masters home-improvement store will be one of the retail attractions at the site, going head to head with Bunnings on Gladstone Road.
Simon Berger, a spokesperson for Woolworths Ltd, said the Masters store would be a welcome addition to the retailing community on the edge of Melbourne.
“Masters will provide competition and offer more choice for local people who take pride in maintaining and improving their homes. We are confident Masters will raise the bar when it comes to range, value, service and shopping experience.”
The $23 million dollar Masters store will employ 186 people during construction.
“Our team of around 130 to 150 will have extensive training to bring a new level of service, in a nicer shopping environment. While we can’t put a precise date on it, we’re hoping to be open by the end of 2013.”
The store will be one of a number popping up in suburban Melbourne.
Toll Logistics, Linfox International, Ausco Modular, Panasonic and CEVA occupy the space on the corner of Princes Highway and the South Gippsland Freeway.
The existing buildings and manufacturing plants on the site will be demolished to make way for the latest development plans.
Earlier this year, Cameron Industrial Commercial advertised warehouse space available for lease. David Johnson was the agent leasing the space, and he said there was a lot of interest retailers.
“I believe construction is going to be started in January, and I think the existing buildings are being demolished,” Mr Johnson said.
State Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced an amendment to the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme last week, paving the way for developer Cbus Property to move ahead with plans to build a business park and office development.
“Land uses change over time, and this vacant 46-hectare site is ripe for industrial, commercial and retail development to serve the needs of the growing local population and create jobs closer to where people live,” Mr Guy said.
The site was bought by the property developer in 2007. Development at the site has been halted because of zoning restrictions outlined in the Greater Dandenong Planning Scheme.
Last week’s amendment to the scheme allows for a comprehensive development zone on the site.
“Whatever they build will be better than what is there now,” Mr Aspinall said.
The first stage of the revedelopment includes a three-storey office building and ground floor café.
Greater Dandenong mayor Roz Blades welcomed the redevelopment.
“A Masters hardware store, industrial uses and associated office accommodation are a positive contribution to the Greater Dandenong Community,” she said.
