The Cardinia Shire Council has officially endorsed the detailed design for Stage 1 of the Pakenham Revitalisation Project, marking a significant milestone towards creating a more vibrant and inviting town centre.
A Vision for Main Street
Stage 1 of the revitalisation focuses on Main Street, from the railway line to the John Street intersection. This transformation aims to encourage residents and visitors to spend more time in the area, enjoying new outdoor dining opportunities, safe pedestrian and cyclist movement, and increased spaces for events and activities. The revitalised Main Street will feature:
- Wider, more accessible footpaths will encourage street activation and enhance safety.
- Two-way road with new pavement and kerb: This change will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
- 28 parallel parking bays: The shift to parallel parking will support pedestrian safety and street activation.
- Raised pedestrian crossings: Nine new crossings will ensure safer movement across Main Street.
- Green spaces and seating: The addition of 24 trees, numerous garden beds, and 22 seats will create a pleasant environment.
- Feature lighting and street furniture: New light poles with feature lighting displays, bike racks, bins and a new accessible drinking fountain with a drinking bowl for dogs.
- Speed limit reduction: Lowering the speed limit from 50km/h to 40km/h will enhance safety and create a more enjoyable space for walking, cycling and socialising.
These upgrades are designed to benefit everyone who lives and works in Pakenham and its surrounds, promoting a vibrant, active and safe town centre.
Benefits for the Kala Community
The revitalisation of Pakenham’s city centre is particularly exciting for future residents of Kala. Being just a short 5 minute drive away, Kala residents will have access to a more dynamic and inviting town centre. The improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety, combined with enhanced outdoor dining and event spaces, will make Pakenham an even more appealing destination for a daily coffee, lunch with friends or weekend take out run!
The planned changes will also improve access to key destinations such as the community hospital, train station and PB Ronald Reserve. This ensures that Kala residents will benefit from the broader connectivity and improved amenities that the revitalisation project aims to deliver.
Timeline and Future Developments
The council will begin less-invasive setup and preliminary works from September to December 2024, aiming to minimise disruptions to local businesses during the peak Christmas period. More involved works are expected to start from January 2025, conditions permitting.
The Pakenham Revitalisation Project is just the beginning of ongoing developments in the precinct over the next decade, including further revitalisation works, the development of a community hospital and the creation of additional car parking.
For more information about the Pakenham Revitalisation Project, visit the Cardinia Shire Council’s website.