Insights on site

DANDENONG Residents and Ratepayers Association president Jim Houlahan made some interesting observations about the possible location for new library and City of Greater Dandenong Council offices (‘800 Units at Metro’, Star, 21 July). I wanted to take this opportunity to comment on Mr Houlahan’s observations and provide background on the the council’s reasons for choosing a Lonsdale Street address.
The council agrees with the observation that the new offices and library requires proximity to transport hubs and the Dandenong CBD. Like the Cheltenham Road site mentioned by Mr Houlahan, the preferred site at the corner of Walker and Lonsdale Street, is in easy walking distance to the Dandenong railway station. It is also close to the recently opened bus interchange in Langhorne Street. As a site in the heart of the activity area, the Lonsdale Street site provides easy access opportunities for all, particularly when a visit to the library or council office is carried out in conjunction with shopping.
Additionally, the centralised location introduces 300 potential customers to the heart of Dandenong’s retail district, creating greater benefits than a peripheral location.
We can assure Mr Houlahan that the council considered the criteria he raised, among others, in its choice for a site. We believe that we have identified a site that will allow us to provide better services, while at the same time acting as a catalyst for Dandenong’s transformation. We look forward to sharing more of the council’s vision as the design of the site is developed over the next few months.
Bruce Rendall,
Engineering services director,
City of Greater Dandenong.