By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
SIGNS point to Narre Warren as a critical engine-room in south-east Melbourne’s economy, says Casey mayor Sam Aziz.
Its business district is designated as one of 10 major activity centres in Victoria; its destiny is shaped by an extensive structure plan created by Casey Council.
According to Cr Aziz, the district’s upgrade will dwarf the recent $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong that radically rebuilt and reconfigured large chunks of the town’s CBD.
“It is going to be one of the critical economic drivers of the whole region,” Cr Aziz says.
One plank of the structure plan includes higher-density housing at the activity centre, especially near the railway station.
More apartment-style accommodation would put less pressure on infrastructure, reduce urban sprawl, lessen car dependence and create more affordable dwellings for people seeking to get into the housing market, Cr Aziz said.
Cr Aziz pointed to the tall corporate buildings filling with businesses in Victor Crescent as an indicator of the future. Webb Street would require a multi-level car park.
Casey will seek to attract more government agencies and hence more local jobs into the hub for the ever-soaring Casey-Cardinia population.
“Given Casey has the largest population (of council areas) in Victoria, we’re entitled to have that presence in our city.”
Cr Aziz said he was encouraged by interest from two “top law firms” in opening offices in the hub. Other niche industries such as engineering and defence firms were also committing to set up camp in Narre Warren.
“It’s very exciting and part of our ongoing economic development.”
The structure plan is a decade from full realisation but Cr Aziz wanted “quick and strident action” and prompt investment from the public and private sectors.
It includes PPP (public private partnerships) that reduces the upfront cost of infrastructure for all ratepayers in favour of a subsidised user-pays system, Cr Aziz said.
