Media coverage: October 2018
Massive mall makeover
Karingal Hub’s $62 million redevelopment plans approved
Christian Tatman, Frankston Standard, 29 October 2018, page 1
MORE shops, restaurants and a ‘town centre’ are at the heart of a huge $62 million redevelopment of Karingal Hub Shopping Centre.
The revamp, ticked off by Frankston Council last week, includes an extra 762 carparking spaces; a new two-level restaurant/ cafe; a facelift of existing shops and the relocation of the bus interchange to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access.
The redevelopment by owners ISPT Super Property, who also own Westfield Doncaster and Barkly Square Brunswick, will create more than 200 jobs during construction and 300 full and parttime jobs.
The revamp will provide an additional 13,531sq m retail floorspace, a large ‘town centre’ with an area of 2500sq m and a community space of 200m.
A multi-deck carpark under the retail extension will include a total of 1140 car spaces.
Chief executive of advocacy group Committee for Greater Frankston Ginevra Hosking said the redevelopment would provide a massive boost to the region.
“The fact private investors have the confidence to make this type of investment shows Frankston is on the move,” she said.
Frankston Mayor Colin Hampton said the upgrade would bring jobs and visitors to the region.
“The community will really be able to see the benefits of having a wider retail offering, as well as even more dining options on our doorstep,” he said.
The project is expected to begin construction within the next one to two years.
Artist impressions of plans for Karingal Hub mall
Traders plea for parking
But Bayside Shopping Centre has no plans to cut fees
Christian Tatman, Frankston Standard, 29 October 2018, page 5
TRADERS have again unloaded over car parking in central Frankston as Bayside Shopping Centre refuses to budge on demands for more free parking.
John Billing, representing traders, told last Monday’s Frankston Council meeting that business operators were being bombarded with complaints about a lack of parking from shoppers.
Mr Billing described the situation as ridiculous and said the parking woes were making other shopping precincts at Mornington and Karingal more enticing for customers.
He also restated traders’ demands for Bayside Shopping Centre to institute a ‘first three hours free’ parking deal similar to other large shopping centres to entice people back.
“If there was an incentive such as a time limit for free parking it would increase patronage in Frankston,” he said.
But Bayside Shopping Centre manager Gabe North-Harney flatly rejected the call. “We have no plans to change the parking arrangements at Bayside,” she told the Leader.
“Our priority is to provide an easy and convenient parking experience for our customers and retailers. “Because of our location in the heart of Frankston CBD, alongside the busy transport hub and near the beach and TAFE, we do not have the capacity to provide free parking.”
Council received a petition — backed by traders — signed by 2744 people calling on authorities to sort out the parking mess and for Bayside to provide more free parking.
But Cr Brian Cunial said the council had “no right” to ask Bayside to provide free parking. Multiple meetings have already been held between council and shopping centre representatives to discuss the parking issue, and Frankston Council chief executive Dennis Hovenden will again meet with shopping centre representatives to lobby for free parking.
