By CASEY NEILL
SPRINGVALE’S council customer service centre is staying put.
Councillor Peter Brown last month suggested moving the service out of the civic precinct on Springvale Road to save cash, and requested a report.
At their 14 April meeting, councillors heard that retaining a customer service presence in the former council chambers was the best outcome for Springvale residents and Greater Dandenong ratepayers.
The report recommended proceeding with renovation plans, and contained information about the costs and benefits of various options.
These included converting a space the council owns in the 303 Springvale Road arcade, leasing shopfronts and using Springvale Library.
Converting the council chambers had the lowest price tag and the benefits of customer familiarity, good car parking and bus access, and continuity of service, according to the report.
Community feedback regarding the Springvale Civic Precinct Masterplan indicated residents wanted to see a customer service presence stay on the site.
The council’s 2013/14 budget allowed $503,200 to provide a customer service presence in Springvale.
The report found most of the works required for converting the chamber to a customer service centre were required no matter what purpose the building was put to.
