Council have been successful in $8M grant funding through the Federal Governments Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program. The funding will be used to deliver Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan which includes: Thompson Avenue North (from The Esplanade to Chapel Street) and The Esplanade (from Bass Avenue to Warley Avenue).

There will be significant upgrades to the streetscape that include formalising one-way traffic on Thompson Avenue and The Esplanade, increased retail, outdoor dining and public space, hardscaping and landscaping and improving pedestrianisation to the area.

The scope of work is restricted to Thompson Avenue and The Esplanade to deliver Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan.

Council is currently undertaking the tender process. The tender is open for approximately 6.5 weeks. Once the tender closes, an evaluation and award process is required. It is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in August 2025.

Council is currently tendering for construction. Construction timelines are yet to be finalised; however all efforts will be made to minimise the impact to local business traders.

Project timelines will be communicated with ample notice and a dedicated project contact established to ensure information is available in advance.

Council will work with those directly impacted by construction to ensure that mitigation strategies are implemented minimising disruption. Additionally, Council will communicate more broadly to the community in advance of any changes that impact traffic flow and pedestrian access.

Construction timelines are yet to be finalised. Council will communicate anticipated work timeframes once these are finalised.

The remaining stages of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan are funding dependant and therefore no delivery timelines are currently available. Council will continue to advocate for funding to deliver future stages of the project.

The project team will be reaching out to those directly impacted by the project to work with the group.

Regular updates will be provided by email, the project page and Councils social media channels.

If you have specific questions please contact the Major Projects team directly via email at majorprojectsadmin@basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Have questions or want to learn more about the project, contact the Major Projects team on 1300 226 278 or (03) 5671 2211 or via email majorprojectsadmin@basscoast.vic.gov.au