Tax dollars at work

CONSTRUCTION of Dandenong’s new Australian Taxation Office (ATO) headquarters is underway.
Developer EPC Pacific celebrated the start of groundworks at the site, between Walker Street and Halpin Way, on 3 April.
The building will house about 850 ATO staff once it opens late next year.
It will include 12,600 square metres of office space across six levels, and is targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating.
The project is part of Places Victoria’s $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.
Places Victoria urban renewal precincts general manager Simon Wilson said ATO staff could take advantage of street-level shops and cafes which are being encouraged by the development of Halpin Way, Settlers Square and the Pop-Up Park.
“Places Victoria’s work in central Dandenong has also provided better access to Dandenong Railway Station and Lonsdale Street so they’ll be able to walk from the station, duck up to the Dandenong Market for lunch and then pick up takeaway from Little India on the way to the train home,” he said.
EPC Pacific chief executive Patrick Smith said there would be more than 200 people working on site to complete the project, bringing further activity to the area.
“This development is achieving the vision of the Revitalising Central Dandenong project by bringing people back to Dandenong’s heart in new offices that will provide a brilliant work environment with a great atmosphere,” he said.
The private sector has invested almost $500 million in Dandenong since Places Victoria, formerly VicUrban, started work there in 2006.
The goal is $1 billion in private investment over the project’s life.
Places Victoria recently announced a $18 million serviced apartment building as the next project for central Dandenong.
Places Victoria is also in discussions to deliver a private healthcare facility within the precinct to service the Greater Dandenong, Gippsland and Peninsula area.