Boulevard plan gets big tick

A “derelict” site at Caroline Springs will soon be demolished to make way for two multi-storey developments in a bid to “bring glory” to the suburb.

The site at 1-7 Caroline Springs Boulevard currently has a building, clocktower and carparking, but Melton councillors have described the site, which is a gateway to Caroline Springs, as an eyesore.

They unanimously voted to approve two multi-storey developments that will have a range of retail, food and drink premises, despite council officers describing the application as an “over-development of the site”.

Cr Kathy Majdlik said this would be a “great” development for the community.

“At the moment, it’s a derelict site – quite an eyesore – at the entrance of Caroline Springs,” she said. “ I think this will … be a success for our community.”

Cr Lara Carli described the development as “spectacular”, saying it would open employment opportunities for residents.

The application received one objection, with three signatories citing “excessive scale” of the building, littering in carparking, noise, increased traffic and odour from commercial bins.

In their report presented at last week’s council meeting, officers raised concerns about the development’s potential to becoming a neighbourhood shopping centre.