Council insists on essential services for Cranebrook residents

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Following discussions with developers, Penrith Council is insisting services including a doctor, pharmacy, post office and basic daily foodstuffs be available at Cranebrook Shopping Centre should a staged development not be undertaken.

"The original DA approval was to develop the shopping centre as a staged Development. It is totally unacceptable to Council and the community that essential services not continue," said Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM. "We are working with the developers (AusPacific Property Group) to ensure that services and facilities remain in place.

"Cranebrook residents, especially those who are unable to travel, have come to rely on these local services."

Council has advised that any development applications required to ensure the temporary provision of services will be given top priority. The vacant former hardware site in Laycock street has been identified as a potential location.

"Council understands that the owners are considering the provision of shuttle buses to other shopping centres and we want to ensure these run regularly and efficiently. It is important to stress that the bus service be in addition to retaining basic services at Cranebrook.

"While the long term outcome will be a modern and welcoming shopping centre, it is unacceptable for the local community not to have access to basic services and facilities during the construction of the new centre.

"We also want the new owners to keep the community fully informed throughout the development."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Wednesday, 27 May 2015.