PAKENHAM’S old police station site has been earmarked for purchase by Cardinia Shire Council.

Chief executive officer Garry McQuillan said council was investigating whether to buy the land as part of its strategic acquisition program.

Council had made an allocation for land purchases in its budget but nothing had been decided, Mr McQuillan said.

If the shire does buy the land it is possible it could be used to provide extra car parking for the fast-growing CBD area.

The James Street site became vacant when the police moved to the new emergency services complex on the Princes Highway earlier this year.