Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation - 2

Posted to Dandenong Leader (9/5/2011) on 14/5/2011 at 4:01 PM
Commenting on "Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation"
http://dandenong-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/auditor-generals-damning-report-into-dandenong-revitalisation/

You can read Part 1 of this comment by clicking here

Dandenong CBD needs more than just revitalisation of the streetscape; it also needs revitalisation of the shops and display windows, and mix of businesses.

Although the ultimate outcome is a plus for the traders concerned, but initial outlay could burn a big hole in their cash registers. There is a distinct disadvantage about the main road, alias National Highway 1 - it is too wide. It does not provide a right ambience for inviting shopping experience. In addition, all the shops in the CBD are spread over a very big area, and on a rainy or windy day, shoppers are likely to stay in the warm and cosy Dandenong Plaza rather than subjecting themselves to the terror of the nature.

Dandenong was once the hub of many big factories, and centre of employment. The wind of fortune has changed. Is the demographics of Dandenong ready for upmarket shopping yet? It is great to be visionary, and hopefully the project pays dividend; otherwise, the ratepayers' and taxpayers' money will be spent on creating a white elephant.

Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation

Posted to Dandenong Leader (9/5/2011) on 13/5/2011 at 11:59 AM
Commenting on “Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation”
http://dandenong-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/auditor-generals-damning-report-into-dandenong-revitalisation/

Dandenong revitalisation is "pretty" on the surface but I cannot foresee improvement in the public perception about the City and shopping experience.

Success of a shopping arena depends on human psychology; the density of traffic and people flows instead of the actual numbers creates a sense of attractiveness. Put 100 people, shoppers or onlookers, in a narrow street and a wide one respectively, you will think that the narrow street is very busy, but not the wide one. Swanston Street in Melbourne City has been "revitalised" so many times, and buckets of money are wasted on so many grand plans.

I have witnessed the rise and fall of Dandenong, and the changing demographics. The new wing of the Dandenong market is clean but lacks the "warmth", pull-me-in excitement, and too quiet.

Comparing Dandenong with other more flourishing suburbs like Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond, the atmosphere is without doubt distinctly different. If Dandenong streets become more up-market, they must be complemented with quality shops which in turn require clients with deeper pockets.

You can read Part 2 of this comment by click here