What has prevented Dandenong from becoming a bustling city in the south-east? And does a new development offer more disappointment or, at last, new hope? sopphie
When Steve Khan set up his shop selling Indian groceries and renting Bollywood films in 1994, it was a gamble: central Dandenong was considered a “no-go zone” by many. Drug use and criminal activity were rife in the area near his business.But his investment paid off.
“[The project] will cement Dandenong as Melbourne’s second-biggest city, it will cement it as one of the most liveable areas of Melbourne, it will cement it as a commercial hub, as an industrial hub, as a place you can work, live and invest,” Bracks declared.
“After 2010, there was a significant shift in the priorities and the team [at VicUrban, now Development Victoria] reduced from over 20 to one,” says co-author Dr Hayley Henderson.City of Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie and Mayor Jim Memeti stand in front of the municipal building, completed in 2014.
“We have spent our sweat and blood here … [but] the fibre of Little India would be broken,” says Khan, who today owns a hairdresser, cafe and grocery store.“We’re irritated with the way things are being handled.” Capital Alliance is aiming to accelerate the build of Little India for completion by 2026 instead of 2029. The traders have been warned that their rents will increase, leaving Kaur to question whether she can afford to keep her dress shop open.
“There were more bureaucrats than residents and it made me feel they’re not listening, they weren’t answering my questions,” she says. Memeti emphasises the council is impressed with Capital Alliance’s master plan but says that safeguarding Little India throughout construction is crucial and suggests consultation could run at a pace that better informs and involves the community.
Du says the consultation is naturally run differently: “This is not a government project, it’s a private project with the support of the government. It’s entirely private capital.Mohan Du, CEO and founder of Capital Alliance, has developments in Southbank and Docklands.Du has big ambitions for Dandenong. He believes it should have taken off like Sydney’s Parramatta and his goal is to attract international retailers to set up shop and large CBD businesses to have satellite offices.
A render showing what the Capital Alliance development in Dandenong would look like upon completion in 2041. Little India will be in the laneway running between two new buildings.This is also why residents hope the Capital Alliance development will be sensitive to the distinct needs of the large migrant community. Khan worries that new apartments will sit vacant.
A block at 27 Scott Street is being developed into an apartment building after sitting idle for many years.However, it’s unlikely that Bracks’ desire to turn Dandenong into Melbourne’s “second city” will eventuate. The University of Sydney adjunct professor says that for central Dandenong to thrive, it’s essential to increase its knowledge-based activities – for example with a university, medical institutions and more white-collar businesses.