By Brendan Rees
Businesses have given the thumbs up for a proposal to build a private helipad in Narre Warren, saying it will boost tourism and stimulate the economy.
Developers behind the proposal, Tabak Property Group Pty Ltd, have submitted plans to Casey Council for a chopper to take off and land on a roof of a new three-storey building called the Casey Towers Business Precinct at 77-89 Victor Crescent.
It is proposed the landing pad will accommodate six-seater helicopters that will be less than two-tonnes in weight. It will include a limit of three take-offs and three landings per day.
Under the plans the building would have a total of 221 car spaces.
In the application, it says the helipad would operate “without unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding noise sensitive users.”
He further stated the site would “strengthen” the Fountain Gate Business Park as an “employment location of metropolitan significance.”
In a statement, Tabak Property Group said they believed a helicopter pad will be a “great asset to our new development by giving our prospective tenants other options in transport if they desire and also for other local businesses in the area for their business needs.”
“As well as of course be available for emergency services if ever required,” the statement said.
General manager of Berwick Toyota Sam Freer, whose business is in Victor Crescent and Princes Highway, said he welcomed the plans for the helipad.
“I think it would add something different to the area and managed properly it won’t cause any issues for the surrounding area given it is a commercial industrial area,” Mr Freer said.
“It’s an innovative new idea that will give the area excitement and a buzz that it currently lacks. In addition to this it may give people access to weekend joy rides, and of course access to an alternative mode of transport to places like Melbourne Airport which is a long way from Narre Warren.
“Obviously there are other things coming like Uber Air, this proposal could open up this opportunity to the people of Narre Warren,” he said.
Digital Eagles chief executive Ryan Jenkins, whose business is in Victor Crescent, also said he supported the idea.
“Economic development in this area is something that I’m really passionate about,” he said.
He added regardless of the new three-storey building “parking is a really is significant challenge for this Victor Crescent area.”
Casey Council manager of statutory planning and building Services Duncan Turner said the public notice process was still underway for the application.
“Council will consider all objections received and the merits of the application in due course,” he said.
“No date has been set for determination of the application.”
