Construction Works Start on Major Dandenong Building

Media Release from
John Pandazopoulos MP,
Member for Dandenong

Thursday, 18 March 2010

Member for Dandenong John Pandazopoulos MP today inspected construction works on the site of Dandenong's new Government Services Building.

Mr Pandazopoulos said the building would be one of the first developments delivered on land acquired by VicUrban as part of the $290 million Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.

When complete in the second half of 2011, this building will provide a central point for the public to access key government services by providing 14,399 square metres of office space for a number of Government departments," Mr Pandazopoulos said.

Built by Grocon, this project will boost the local economy by $85 million and create 400 jobs during construction, which is great news for the local community."

Mr Pandazopoulos said the Brumby Labour Government had identified Dandenong as a Central Activities District as part of Melbourne @ 5 Million, the government's long-term plan for managing Melbourne's growth.

"We are committed to providing more jobs, services and amenities close to where people live," Mr Pandazopoulos said.

"In addition to funding, the Victorian Government is leading the way by committing to long-term leases that will stimulate new development in an underutilised part of town.

"The fact that Grocon has invested in Dandenong is evidence that the State Government's investment in this city is creating viable commercial development opportunities; the likes of which have not been seen here for many years"

The environmental performance envisaged for the building will set a benchmark for future development in Dandenong. The building is aiming to achieve a 5 star Green star rating for design and as built from the Green Building Council of Australia. This will include a 4.5 Star NABERS energy rating for the base building and 5 Star NABERS rating for the building interiors.

Vicurban, in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong, is delivering the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative on behalf of the Victorian Government.

VicUrban's General Manager Urban Revitalisation, Dominic Arcaro, welcomed Grocon's appointment.

In the coming years we will see new buildings such as this creating more activity for residents and workers in central Dandenong," Mr Arcaro said.

"VicUrban focuses on place making; which is combining physical, social and economic ingredients to create places that people love and stand the test of time. This building location has been deliberately chosen to activate an area that already benefits from proximity to Dandenong Train Station, bus routes, eateries and existing businesses," he said.

Grocon's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Grollo, said Grocon was very proud to be delivering a landmark building under the Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative.

"It's a very exciting urban renewal project for us, with the consolidation of five different State Government offices into one purpose-built facility," Mr Grollo said.

"We intend to become an important part of the Dandenong community, endeavouring to employ as many local people as possible and to contribute in a positive fashion to the life of this very vibrant area.

"The building will demonstrate Grocon's core values of safety, sustainability, community and innovation through initiatives such as high recycling rates, creating the safest workplace possible and use of the innovative building methods," Mr Grollo said.

Grocon was selected following a competitive tender process.

The Revitalising Central Dandenong initiative aims to attract more than $1 billion of private investment over the next 15-20 years and to restore Dandenong as the capital of Melbourne's south-east.

Media inquiries, please contact the Hon John Pandazopoulos MP on 0408 310 733

Above: Artist impression of the new Government Services Building

ENDS

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