Art inspired by Wonthaggi’s rich history and present day, lighting installations, raised pedestrian crossings and creative street furniture will form part of a push to revitalise the township.
Bass Coast Shire Council adopted the Wonthaggi Activity Centre Streetscape Master Plan at its July meeting today – a master plan that will help futureproof the town with sustainable transport options, incentives to ride and walk and safer pedestrian access.
Urban designers Hansen Partnership and The Institute for Sensible Transport prepared the plan, which is underpinned by key principles of recreating ‘streets for people’, activating the town centre, prioritising pedestrian access and ‘smart’ city infrastructure.
Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan said Council had listened to community feedback on the draft plan, which attracted comments from people attending community presentations and drop-in sessions, as well as written submissions and survey responses.
“The final Master Plan sets out significant improvements for pedestrian access and traffic management in Wonthaggi, including new raised crossings and surface treatments, artistic features, lighting installations and landscaping,”
“All of these elements will foster physical and community connectedness while improving accessibility, which will help Council’s response to population and tourism growth in the town.”
“We want Wonthaggi to continue to be a memorable and attractive destination with welcoming social, dining and retail offerings, walkability and a vision to make the most of underused spaces to generate investment,” Cr Whelan said.
The study area for the Wonthaggi Activity Centre Streetscape Master Plan is bound by Murray Street to the north, Watt Street to the south, Bass Highway/McKenzie Street to the east and Biggs Drive/Billson Street to the west.
High-level cost and staging plans have been prepared. Council will now consider budget allocations in its long-term funding strategy as well as external grant funding options.
