The map shows the location of the new Cranbourne West super-estate.By Glen Atwell
CONSTRUCTION on an employment, education and residential super-estate in Cranbourne West is expected to begin early next year.
The Cranbourne West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) will sprawl across 792-hectares and deliver 10,000 jobs and 3250 homes.
Plans for the new estate were approved by Casey Council last week.
The industrial and housing bonanza will be located on land north of Thompsons Road, west of Western Port Highway, south of Ballarto Road and east of Evans and Cranbourne-Frankston Road.
The ambitious plans also include a wedge of land to the west of Merinda Park Railway Station.
Plans include specific sites for a 24-hour medical and chemist facility, schools, a shopping centre, water features and parkland.
A free community bus to transport residents from their homes to nearby services is also included in the plans.
The PSP will provide the framework and requirements for a major new urban development, together with the infrastructure and services required by the future residential and employment community.
City of Casey manager of strategic development Liam Hodgetts told the News last month that the precinct would become an employment area for the ‘smart and skilled’.
“The precinct is planned to become an employment area that complements, rather than replicates, industrial development in Dandenong South and Hallam,” he said.
“It will provide a mix of lots sizes and high amenity environments in business park, office park, industrial and mixed use areas.
“These will accommodate a range of businesses including manufacturing industries, processing, packaging and distribution centres, local service industries, commercial offices, office and warehousing hybrids, professional and business support services,” Mr Hodgetts said.
Providing an employment area of approximately 330 hectares, the precinct will create a recruitment boom in the City of Casey.
Councillor Kevin Bradford said he took great satisfaction in seeing the project progress.
“It is something Cranbourne has needed for a long time and a project I have be involved with from the start,” he said.
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said Cranbourne West would soon become the place to establish a new business.
“This project is great opportunity for locals looking for convenient and easy access to employment,” he said.
“I am extremely pleased that locals will be able to access employment without the need to purchase a car to access employment opportunities. The jobs created will be right on our doorstep.”
“I expect to see the first shovel in the ground early next year,” Cr Beardon said.
