PAKENHAM’S Car MegaMart has developed well beyond expectations since opening 19 months ago.
It’s taken home the Casey Cardinia Award in the New Business category.
The Commercial Drive automotive retail development is home to both motor vehicle sales and supporting trades such as mechanics and detailers, plus a cafe and finance office.
Karlie Thexton said operations started in January last year.
“The land was available and, obviously, this is a major growth corridor for the south-eastern suburbs,” she said.
“It’s definitely developed beyond our expectations.
“Stage one and two are at 80 per cent complete and the factories are sitting at about 70 per cent complete.”
Ms Thexton said Car MegaMart wanted to lease its last three available yards and would start on stage three development plans next year.
This is to include more automotive yards plus caravan industry space.
“We believe that we are a fantastic new business in the area and are providing a lot of employment opportunities for the community and beyond,” she said.
“Currently we have 18 independent yards here.
“We’re all a team together and without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Ms Thexton said the Car MegaMart database showed about a third of sales were local.
“We’re excited about the future and we see it as bright,” she said.
On completion, Car MegaMart will display more than 1000 vehicles on 25 lots and the business park will house more than 80 complementary retail showrooms.
The development will feature 18 dedicated motorcycle, caravan and boat sales sites plus mechanics, detailing and paint shops.
