Rain gardens, water play, extended sand areas, lush green spaces and a reconfigured car park are all future options being considered for the Altona Beach precinct that is now open for public comment.
The vision incorporates a number of elements that cover Pier Street, the Esplanade, beach access points, Weaver Reserve, shared trails and seawalls. A state government project to redevelop the Altona Pier is also running concurrently and both consultations aim to complement each other.
There are three concept designs proposed and Council welcomes feedback from the community on all ideas proposed, including:
- The Esplanade between Bent Street and Pier Street could be permanently converted to a pedestrian plaza with lawn areas, sand/gravel spaces, arbours for shade, sculptures, water play and an abundance of seating (an alternative temporary closure is also part of the options)
- removing some car spaces in Pier Street and expanding the Weaver Reserve car park to allow for wider footpaths and substantial tree plantings along the retail and café strip
- revitalising Weaver Reserve to formalise the car park, open up the lawn space, increase seating and picnic areas, gentle mounds to increase wind protection and shade with the planting of mature trees
- raising the seawall and creating a new entry to Altona beach at the bottom of Pier Street and another at Webb Street. The shared trail will also be realigned
The vision comes after the first three stages of works resulted in extensive re-paving of Pier Street, between Civic Parade and Queen Street. Stage 4 will extend from Queen Street down to the Altona Beach with a focus on safe pedestrian access, widened footpaths for increased outdoor dining, improved tree canopy to increase shade, drainage improvements and parking changes.
To view the concept options and provide feedback, visit https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/altonabeachprecinct-1 and comment by 23 August.
As stated by Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Colleen Gates
“There are three concept designs that are being put forward for feedback – one with minimal changes to the precinct and the other two that will significantly change the Altona Beach Precinct and traffic movement within the area. There may be positives and negatives in each and we want to hear all of it so that the final concept is in keeping with how the community want to see and interact with the precinct for years to come.
“These plans are bold and innovative and our hope is that it will strike the balance of complementing the retail and café businesses in this busy precinct, encouraging visitation to the popular Altona Beach, all the while maintaining the village feel that makes Altona special.”
