Dec 13, 2012 Update: Apparently, NearMap has closed its doors to the little people, so I've replaced the links below with Google Maps links to at least give an idea of where the changes are occurring.

NearMap has updated its coverage of (southern) Melbourne recently, and it's always fun to track the evolution of the city. Here's a selected run down of interesting changes — though a lot has changed in Dandenong over the past 6 months, so I'm breaking this list up into multiple posts.

When clicking through to the maps on NearMap, remember to switch between the October 4 and April 12 updates to see the changes.

Civic Building Site. The Palm Plaza (nee Capital Centre) swallowed up most of the retail activity and general life in Dandenong's centre. The new civic centre, on the southwest corner of Lonsdale and Walker, is likely to rectify this situation. It will be a significant activity generator for the town's centre and west, and so is possibly the most important single project in Dandenong's history. (Aside from its founding, of course!) Work commenced in September and demolition of the shops is essentially complete. (Link.)

Here are some further office, commercial and government developments in and around Dandenong (or at least, ones that are visible from the air):

• Cheltenham Road offices/warehouse - Not complete yet, but seems an inappropriate development for such a major location. This was an excellent opportunity to change the tone of developments on this side of Cheltenham Road, and it seems like the opportunity has been lost. (It makes little sense to me that the prime area bounded by George Street, Cheltenham Road, Bennett Street and the railway line remains an industrial zone.)
• New Dandenong Taxis office - Recently completed on Dandenong Street. Dandenong Street plays host mainly to old industrial. It's another area that I think one day needs to be rezoned residential and mixed-use near Cheltenham Road.
• Logis South - A nicer, somewhat greener looking industrial development on old Melbourne Water land. Perfectly appropriate for the area.
• Logis North - Start of developments in this very large eco industrial estate on old Melbourne Water land. Not sure how 'eco' it will really be, but I'll try not to be too cynical. Truly an enormous estate — about 130 ha.
• Estate One (GM site) - Another big (roughly 40-50ha, circa $500m) development that will be a mix of office, retail and semi-industrial. Currently, a Masters store is being built on the corner, but no word of anything else yet.
• Mental Health buildings - First stage was completed about a year ago. Second stage is coming along quickly. Very appealing design, all wood and lots of greenery. I'm a bit concerned about how the wood will wear, though, given it's such a prominent feature.
• Youth mental health beds - I can't recall where I saw details for this. Not looking like a good design so far, but I'll reserve judgement until it's done.
• Dandenong High School - Demolition of the Cleeland Campus to make way for the third (and final) stage of developments.
• Dandenong North Primary School - Presumably, buildings that are a result of the BER changes. Makes David Street seem even busier than before.