IT’S safe to say the Bass Coast Shire Council made a rocky start to its $8.3 million Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan Delivery Project and there could well be more tears before the initial phase of the works gets wrapped up just before Christmas.
But, according to the operator of the Hotel, on the corner of The Esplanade and Thompson Avenue, Dale Larkin, it’s “all good now” after some miscommunication on the timing of excavations out the front of his premises.
The venue posted its alarm on Facebook early in the week when the old footpath was ripped up along The Esplanade frontage, two to three weeks earlier than anticipated.
“We were supposed to lose full access to the front of our venue from the 17th of November… apparently today was a good day to do it instead. No warning. No time for planning. We haven’t loaded up on stock yet like we were intending to do in these two weeks… we’re devastated to say the least.”
As well as patrons not being able to access the main doors, across the cordoned-off works area, goods in and out have to go up and down a set of narrow stairs into the building.
However, after an initial period of adjustment, including opening the entrance off Thompson Avenue that hasn’t been opened for years, and staff pitching in to stock up and clear out after a big MotoGP weekend, it was all back on track.
“Just a misunderstanding on the timing. We got a bit of a shock initially. We asked the staff to bear with us while we made the adjustments, and we’d like to extend that to our patrons as well,” said Mr Larkin.
“Honestly, the shire could not have done more to help us through COVID and after. I think the tables we added out the front, with the shire’s blessing, has really added something to the bottom end of Thompson Avenue and The Esplanade and what they have planned will really be great once it’s completed.
“There’ll no doubt be a bit of pain from time to time, especially on our busy days from Cup Weekend through to Christmas (December 21 finish) but I think we’ve just got to go with it confident that we’ll come out with something really good once the work has been completed.
“The contractors as well, Fulton Hogan, could not have been more accommodating.
“We’re not going to have wheel chair access inside while the works are going on, with the only entrance down those steps, but we’ve been able to add some dining space on the outside (Thompson Avenue) which will help.
“We’ve seen the plans and we’re nothing but positive about what it will look like in the end, we just thought we had a bit more time up our sleeve, after the big GP Weekend, to get ready.”
Life’s full of surprises.
So, the $8.265 million Stage 1 of the Cowes Streetscape project is on its way, with the lion’s share of the funding, $8 million coming from the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
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.
There will be a permanent change to one-way eastbound traffic along The Esplanade being introduced to improve safety and create more space for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the foreshore.
• Works scheduled: September 29 to 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
Council has been working closely with Cowes’ traders throughout the design and planning of the project to ensure their voices are heard and their needs understood.
During construction, Council will continue to support businesses through the Trading through Transformation campaign. This initiative will promote Cowes as a welcoming destination during the works, encouraging the community and visitors to shop local, dine out, and continue enjoying everything the township has to offer.
Wayfinding signage, marketing support, and regular updates will help residents and visitors navigate the area confidently while ensuring local businesses have as minimal disruption to trading as possible and Cowes maintains its vibrancy.
While Council is committed to minimising disruption, the community may notice:
• Civil and landscaping works, including new footpaths, landscaping, and road realignments
• The use of heavy machinery, resulting in some noise, vibration and dust
• Temporary traffic management measures causing occasional delays – please plan trips accordingly
• Limited access to some roads and footpaths at certain times Council and our contractor will continue to work closely with businesses and residents, with regular communication and clear updates provided throughout the project.
There are expected to be seven stages to the Cowes Streetscape upgrade. Master plan available on the Engage Bass Coast website.
