A trio of architects and a civil engineer consultant from Melbourne-based Outlines Landscape Architecture spent last week creating a visual proposal of concept plans for the main street revitalisation, based on suggestions from the community.

The plans, which are on display for public feedback inside Warrnambool City Council’s pop-up shop at 141 Liebig Street, show designs for ideas including widened footpaths, street lighting, less traffic lanes and pedestrian crossings. 

Outlines director Damon Obst said the structure and core of Liebig Street was advantageous but needed an injection of new life.

“Clearly it’s tired and in need of some upgrade,” he told The Standard. 

“Fundamentally we were down there to get the perspective of the community and stakeholders to really see what the key issues were and what people’s desires and visions were for the site.

“We take all that and put it into the mix as far as a design proposal.

“Fundamentally we think the basic structure there is really good and really advantageous in terms of the way it is not the main highway, the way it’s anchored by great facilities, it has great frontages, rear access and the overall grid layout.”

Mr Obst said the challenge of striking a balance between different suggestions came down to focusing on a long-term vision.

“You have to try and get to the bottom of the broader objectives and long-term goals, finding the more detailed aspects within that.

“I think it’s just a desire for a more vibrant, thriving street that’s multi-faceted and is robust enough to deal with changes we’re going to face.

“We looked at cities like Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong as perhaps specific examples of similar types of work that have been undertaken.”

With feedback closing on May 30, Mr Obst encouraged Warrnambool residents and visitors to get involved and look at what had been put forward.

“They’re just very early ideas and thoughts but I think overall there’s a flexibility to be able to move, adapt and cater for things like events and patterns of changing retail, traffic and transport over time.”

To have your say on the preliminary plans, visit 141 Liebig Street or view a summary online at www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au and email communications@warrnambool.vic.gov.au before May 30.