This major project is being delivered through $8 million funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program along with Council contribution of $1.6 million
About The Project
Bass Coast Shire Council will shortly commence 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)
Cowes Foreshore Precinct Renders
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September 2025 Update #3
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 westbound traffic lane will stay open, helping to keep vehicles moving through the area.
A map 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.
September 2025 Update #2
This week you may notice some early works happening in the Cowes Foreshore Precinct area. These activities are part of preparing for Stage 1 construction starting later this month.
Service locating – 23 to 25 September
Crews will be on site tracing underground services such as cables and pipes. This is a non-destructive activity that involves opening and closing pits and manholes. You may see fresh spray paint marks on the ground, but there will be no excavation or machinery involved. Importantly, there will be no impacts to traffic during this work.
Service proving – 24 September
A vacuum truck will be used to safely confirm the location of underground services along the Stage 1 works area. To complete this, a short-term traffic closure will be in place on The Esplanade East. This will allow the team to finish the work in one day, keeping us on track to begin major construction on 29 September.
What this means for the community
- Pedestrian safety will be closely managed.
- No significant traffic delays are expected, apart from the short closure on 24 September.
- These works are all part of making sure the big construction stage can start smoothly and safely.
Thank you for your patience as we take these important steps to prepare for the exciting changes ahead.
September 2025 Update
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.
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 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
