About The Project

Bass Coast Shire Council has commenced construction for Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan which includes:

  • The Esplanade (between Bass Avenue and Warley Avenue)
  • Thompson Avenue North (from Chapel Street to The Esplanade

Project updates below with a Community Newsletter coming soon.

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project will deliver significant civil and landscaping improvements along Thompson Avenue North and The Esplanade (between Bass Avenue and Warley Avenue). These upgrades are a vital step in bringing the Cowes community’s long-term vision to life — creating safer, greener and more connected spaces that locals can be proud of and visitors will love to explore.

The project will be completed in 7 stages, minimising disruption as far as possible for local businesses, community and visitors.

Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project Stage 1

Stage 1 - The Esplanade East (between Thompson Avenue and Bass Avenue)

Stage 1 will focus on upgrading essential services and creating the foundations for a safer and more welcoming precinct. This includes renewing water and sewer mains, upgrading stormwater drainage, and reconstructing the road and pavement to better support outdoor dining spaces and a more pedestrian friendly environment.

The works will also deliver new kerb and channel, upgraded public lighting, and fresh landscaping helping to create greener, safer and more inviting spaces for families, shoppers and visitors. A permanent change to one-way eastbound traffic along The Esplanade will also be introduced to improve safety and create more space for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the foreshore.

  • Works scheduled: 29 September – end December 2025
  • This section of road will be closed during works
  • Pedestrian access will be maintained via the foreshore path
  • Two-way traffic will continue along Thompson Avenue and the Esplanade West towards Warley Avenue

Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project Updates

Following last week’s water main assembly works, we’re pleased to share that the 90-degree parking on The Esplanade (between Bass Avenue and Findlay Street) has now reopened. Thank you for your patience while this essential work was completed.

Crews have been focused on the Bass Avenue and The Esplanade intersection, completing stormwater drainage works and installing the new Westernport Water main. Asphalt reinstatement is scheduled for Friday 10 October, after which the Bass Avenue intersection will reopen to traffic.

The intersection will remain closed until these final works are complete, allowing the team to complete the footpath, kerb and asphalt reinstatement works.

Preparing for the MotoGP

With the MotoGP just around the corner, construction activity will pause temporarily to make way for the celebrations. The project site will be fully packed up, made safe including removal of temporary fencing, ensuring visitors and locals can enjoy all that the Cowes MotoGP Entertainment Precinct will have to offer including live music, food, and festivities, without construction impacts.

On Monday following the race weekend, site works will begin, with hoarding and fencing reinstated to allow the project to continue safely once festivities have concluded.

Looking ahead

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project is being delivered in seven carefully staged phases to minimise disruption around major local events and keep Cowes open for business. These works are an exciting step toward a safer, greener and more welcoming Cowes for everyone.

From Monday 29 September to Wednesday 1 October, Fulton Hogan will be carrying out water main assembly and installation works along The Esplanade (between Bass Avenue and Findlay Street).

What you’ll notice
  • The northern 90-degree parking bays on The Esplanade will be closed while the water main is assembled.
  • Parallel parking on the south side will remain available.
  • Access to the North Pier Hotel will be maintained at all times.
  • The intersection of The Esplanade/Bass Ave will be closed to undertake underground boring for the new water main alignment & connection works.
  • The west bound lane on The Esplanade (between Bass Ave and Findlay St) will remain open however, left turn to Bass Ave is not available. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.
  • Minor changes to this traffic arrangement could be implemented at the location to carry out urgent works, with minor disruptions.

A map (The Esplanade Extended Work Area) showing the work zone and parking impacts is included in the Document Library to the right to help you plan ahead.

We appreciate everyone’s patience while this essential work is completed to keep the project on track.

When works start
  • Start date: Monday 29 September 2025
  • Stage 1 duration: late September – end of December 2025
  • Overall project duration: around 13 months (weather dependent)
Where we’re working first

Stage 1 will focus on The Esplanade East (between Thompson Avenue and Bass Avenue). This area will be closed to traffic while works take place.

Pedestrian access will remain open via the foreshore path. Traffic will still flow in both directions along Thompson Avenue and on the western section of The Esplanade (towards Warley Avenue).

Permanent traffic change

As part of the upgrades, The Esplanade East will become one-way eastbound. This will improve safety and create more space for walking, cycling and outdoor dining.

Parking and access
  • Access to businesses will be maintained, and clear wayfinding signage will help residents and visitors get around.
  • Council is supporting local traders through the Trading through Transformation campaign to encourage everyone to keep shopping and dining locally.
  • Staging Plan images below
What to expect during construction

While we’ll work hard to minimise disruption, you may notice:

  • Construction noise, vibration and dust at times
  • Temporary traffic management and minor delays — please allow a little extra travel time
  • Footpath and road access changing as works progress
Looking ahead

These works will deliver safer, greener and more welcoming streetscapes for everyone to enjoy, strengthening the link between Cowes township and the foreshore.

Regular updates, maps and timelines will be shared via Engage Bass Coast once the project is underway.

More Information

For more information please click on the Notice of Works September 2025 in the Document Library to the right.

Cowes Foreshore Precinct Renders

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Cowes Foreshore Precinct 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.

Construction commenced September 2025

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 is in close contact with those directly impacted by the project.

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

If you have questions or would like to talk to a member of the team, 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