New-look Cowes foreshore unveiled after $9.6 million makeover

THE $9.6 million transformation of the Cowes foreshore was celebrated on Friday as Bass Coast Shire Council marked the end of more than a year of works on Thompson Avenue North and The Esplanade.

Victorian Labor Senator Lisa Darmanin joined Bass Coast Mayor Cr Brett Tessari, Bass Coast Shire Council chief executive Greg Box, council staff, contractors and local business owners to mark the completion of the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project.

“The new Cowes Foreshore Precinct is another great reason to visit Phillip Island,” Cr Tessari said.

“Grab a coffee, enjoy a meal, do a bit of shopping, take in the views across Western Port and experience everything that makes Cowes one of Victoria’s most loved coastal destinations.”

The project was funded with $8 million from the federal government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program and $1.6 million from the council.

It delivered terraced seating overlooking Western Port, new pedestrian-friendly spaces and footpaths, landscaping, improved lighting and upgraded road infrastructure.

The council said the works had created a safer, greener and more accessible destination with a stronger connection between the town centre and the waterfront.

While the official opening came on Friday, the works were completed in time for last month’s MotoGP, the final grand prix at Phillip Island before the event moves to Adelaide.

Thousands of visitors used the new space during the race weekend as part of the Cowes MotoGP Entertainment Precinct, which hosted live music, race highlights, motorcycle displays and community celebrations.

“Seeing the precinct come alive during MotoGP showed exactly what this investment can do for Cowes,” Cr Tessari said.

“I’d like to thank our local businesses, residents, contractors and the community for their patience and support throughout the project.

“Together we’ve created a precinct that will serve Cowes for decades to come.”

Works began in late September 2025 and were delivered across four construction phases to keep Cowes open for business.

The council also thanked the traders who backed its Trading Through the Transformation campaign, which encouraged locals and visitors to keep shopping and dining in town during construction.

Contractor Fulton Hogan engaged 23 local businesses on the project, accounting for 61 per cent of direct project spending and more than 18,600 work hours from local employees.

“This project builds on what people already love about Cowes, creating more opportunities for families and the broader community to enjoy the town centre, local business and the iconic foreshore,” Ms Darmanin said.

“Delivering improvements like these takes a strong partnership between government, Council and the local community.”