Council endorses design for Pakenham Revitalisation project

Stage 1 works will see upgrades take place along Main Street, Pakenham, from the railway line to the John Street intersection, which will transform the town centre to encourage more people to stay longer and spend local. The project aims to increase outdoor dining opportunities, create safe pedestrian and cyclist movement, and provide more spaces for events and activities.

The plans include the following upgrades and changes to Main Street, Pakenham:

• Wider, more accessible footpaths
• Two-way road with new pavement and kerb and channel
• 28 parallel parking bays
• 9 raised pedestrian crossings
• 24 trees
• 22 seats
• 107 pedestrian safe bollards
• 20 light poles with feature lighting display
• 4 bike racks
• 22 bins
• New accessible drinking fountain with drinking bowl for dogs
• Yakkerboo statue to remain at the heart of Main Street
• Numerous garden beds
• Speed limit change from 50km/h to 40km/h

The finalised plans mark a major milestone for the project, which will pave the way towards building a vibrant precinct that will benefit all those who live and work in Pakenham and greater surrounds.

Key features include the widening of footpaths to encourage street activation and enhance safety. The required shift to parallel parking will enable pedestrian safety and encourage activation. Other elements include the design of the street, furniture, the future of the street trees and the construction of a lighting display that will act as a precinct-marker.

The speed limit will be lowered from 50km/h to 40km/h, which will result in enhanced safety for both pedestrians and commuters. The reduction will support a more enjoyable space to walk, cycle and socialise.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik said the design considers diverse demographics within Pakenham and will create a vibrant, active and safe town centre that is accessible and welcoming for everyone.

"Pakenham has changed dramatically over recent time, but our town centre has been left behind. Our community has been calling for an uplift in the look and feel of central Pakenham, and as someone who grew up in the area, I'm really pleased to see serious investment go toward improving Pakenham for people first and foremost."

“Design features aim to improve accessibility, safety, functionality and to provide for a flexible Main Street that encourages the growth of a night-time economy, through the opportunity to host events and festivals,” Cr Kowarzik said. 

“The functional design will encourage walkability and access to and from key destinations, such as the community hospital, train station, walking to the PB Ronald Reserve, and activation of the wider precinct.” 

Broadly, these works will support ongoing develpoment in the precinct over the next decade, including the Pakenham train station, the development of a community hospital, further revitalisation works in the surrounding streets and the creation of additional car parking.

Council will complete less-invasive set-up and preliminary works from September to December 2024, before the peak Christmas period to minimise disruptions to local business. It is expected that more involved works will start from January 2025, conditions permitting.

For more information about the Pakenham Revitalisation project, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/prp.