Square plans spring forward

By Rebecca Fraser
AFTER months of community debate, Casey Council is finally moving forward with plans to redevelop the Spring Square shopping precinct in Hallam.
River Gum Ward councillor Janet Halsall moved at Tuesday’s meeting that the council permit Coles Myer to submit an appropriate planning application to build a new Bi Lo supermarket at the shopping strip.
Cr Halsall said the Spring Square development had become a lengthy and convoluted issue and she believed the council had found a way to move forward with the project.
The application would be subject to the preparation and review by council of a revised development plan for the shopping centre, which is to include numerous principles and procedures.
These include consulting with Spring Square businesses and property owners on the practical details of siting the Bi Lo at the south east corner of Spring Square – council’s preferred location, and discussing the construction of a roundabout at the corner of Princes Domain Drive and Alexander Avenue.
Council officers would also look into moving the preschool at Spring Square to make way for the development.
Two possible relocation sites touted by council are Gunns Road Reserve or the council officers’ preferred location of Kays Avenue, Hallam.
The plan would also stipulate there would be no further increase in the number of car parking spaces at the shopping precinct and instead any free land would be landscaped for public use.
Council officers will also hold discussions with relevant council departments and Spring Square businesses and property owners on the pros and cons of removing the existing public playground to make way for the new supermarket.
A report will then come back to council no later than next month, with a view to council authorising subsequent discussions with Coles Myer on the financial arrangements related to both the proposed sale of land to facilitate the redevelopment and the cost of the associated works.
The proposed redevelopment has sparked much debate within the Hallam community with three community meetings held since last May to discuss the plan.
More than 70 residents and traders attended the most recent meeting in February, and a council report tabled on Tuesday night stated there was significant business and resident support for the proposed development.
At the February meeting, a majority of Hallam locals expressed concern about the suggested location of the supermarket within the Spring Square site.
However, Coles Myers has since said it is willing to set up Bi Lo on the south east corner of the inner part of Spring Square, which would minimise the impact of delivery trucks and simplify the proposed car park layout.
This location would also allow some significant established trees to be retained along Princes Domain Drive, which borders the shopping strip.
A new Hallam community committee was recently formed at a fourth meeting organised by residents to allow concerned parties to have a last say on the matter.
The committee aims to help try and boost trade and liven up Spring Square.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, Cr Halsall moved that the council also obtain input and suggestions from this new group.