Facelift for retail centre

By Bridget Brady
THE future image and appearance of High Street in Cranbourne is up for discussion, and traders are encouraged to have their say.
Plans about the future of Cranbourne’s main street are being developed as part of the council’s structure plan for the town centre.
Traders have asked that High Street be revamped and become more attractive.
Toni Van Den Broek from South Gippsland Jewellers said the time was now for traders to speak up.
“We need as many traders as possible to put forward their ideas,” Ms Van Den Broek said.
“All together we can put a hard document together.”
Ms Van Den Broek, who is an executive member of the Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce (CCC) said the “spirit” of Cranbourne’s retail centre needed improvement.
Consultant Stephen Sully said it was important to improve the spine of a town centre.
“This is really about how business and property owners want to see the town centre in the next 20 years,” Mr Sully said.
“This is about how High Street, Cranbourne, can really stamp itself as an attractive portal into Melbourne.”
CCC president Judy Davis said she would like to see High Street more accessible for cars and pedestrians.
“I’d like to see it more pleasing to the eye and more serviceable for users,” Ms Davis said.
“We need people to know that Cranbourne is here and not for visitors to just drive through it and think it’s a little hick town. It’s not just a hick town any more.”
Mr Sully said residents would have a similar opportunity to have their say and hoped plans would be on public display some time next month.