Too much parking bad for business, they say

BASS Coast Shire has approved the Cowes Streetscape Master Plan at the December 14 meeting.

The master plan identified the points of change for upgrade of the town centre – making it ‘streets for the people’ – a new design to appeal to tourists and increase the vibrancy of the town.

Speaking at the shire’s recent meeting, Cr David Rooks stated, “overall this is a very positive masterplan that has been well received by the community, there is a sense of history here and it’s the last piece of the puzzle.” 

“The masterplan is there to improve the shopping experience in the Cowes main retail precinct, with one of the key focuses on the bottom end of Thompson Avenue, which is looking at creating a mall style precinct with pedestrian access prioritised,” said Cr Rooks.

The Streetscape Masterplan states that ‘too much convenient parking is bad for business’, because it promotes short stay trips – therefore removing the people from the streets and minimising the vibrancy of the town.

The plan was adopted to prioritise human movement over car movement, and therefore by incorporating smart parking and limiting speed limits makes for safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists.

The community consultation feedback was considered in the adoption of the plan, with responses stating that car parking should remain in adequate locations including chemists and post offices. 

Parking will then be designed with long term car parks and car parking in Warley Avenue, Bass Avenue and The Esplanade and the way finding signage will direct people in the right direction.

Cr Ronnie Bauer addressed the issue that the masterplan is short-sighted and should include a revitalised jetty that welcomes cruise ships and a car-ferry. 

“I believe the masterplan falls short of its potential.” 

In response to Cr Bauer’s matter, general manager James Stirton confirmed that the jetty could still be a possibility further down the track and would be an issue for the State Government to address. 

Points of change in the approved Streetscape Masterplan: 

• The Foreshore will feature creative storytelling, improved fencing, and great outdoor dining settings.

• Advanced deciduous trees will provide shade to activity area & Plantings will create year-round colour with a focus on robust and site-specific species.

• Furniture will have crafted elements and points of interest.

• Playgrounds and exercise stations.

• More sheltered areas and picnic facilities.

• Gardens to replace gravel with coastal vegetations.

• A new destination skatepark will fulfill one of the community’s key desires. 

• New designed themes for the boardwalk, steps down to the foreshore from The Esplanade, street greenery and seating – seated decking built around mature trees (existing fig tree at Bass Avenue). 

• Safer pedestrian access – allowing people to walk more often, then they’ll stay longer in town. 

• More play space in town will naturally attract more people to the township therefore create a thriving town, by having people walk and play within the town – this naturally create vibrancy within Cowes.