Corangamite Shire councillors have given the green light to a $16 million revitalisation of Port Campbell in a bid to position the town at the centre of the Shipwreck Coast.
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A new design of the town in partnership with Hansen has been approved, marking stage four of the project.
Mayor Neil Trotter said the development marks the biggest yet for Corangamite Shire Council.
"I'm chuffed to see this, as a former long-term Port Campbell resident I've seen many transitions over the years," he said.
"I remember when the Great Ocean Road was put over from Apollo Bay from the top of the hills, and this is the biggest step forward I've seen since that time.
"It's well-needed, Port Campbell was starting to look a bit tired."
The design prioritises pedestrian journey to the foreshore, with planning documents stating the intent to "to provide a people friendly street where people can enjoy the town centre and all its offerings, but also one that encourages people to visit the foreshore and experience the delight of views across the bay."
Coastal Ward councillor Simon Illingworth said said the new design reflected the public's wishes.
"We retained a number of things the local community put to us," he said.
"It's without a doubt the greatest investment Port Campbell has ever had.
"Time and time again we've had locals saying while it's quiet let's get this thing done, now I'm happy to say it's time to hand it to the experts to finish it off."
Lord Street will be a shared zone where pedestrians will be free to wander. Much of the long term parking will be relocated to Tregea Street, reducing town centre congestion.
More timed parking will be rolled out across the town.
The plan also adds timed seasonal parking zones varying from 30 minutes to all day.
The plan retains the existing layout of the Fisherman's Car Park area and pier access.
Cairns Street at the foreshore will remain the place where residents and visitors can sit in their cars and enjoy the views across the bay. But during busy periods, it can be closed off - forming the venue for local markets or surf carnivals.
90 degree parking has been retained following community push-back against removing it.
The main entry point to the town will be changed through the removal of the current roundabout on the Great Ocean Road to make Morris Street the main entrance and a new intersection developed.
The foreshore will have a tiered 'amphitheatre' to provide room for visitors to sit and view over the bay, and semi-sheltered nooks in stylised sand-dunes will provide places for picnic lunches.
In response to public feedback there will be circular timber decking lookout and picnic areas added under the Norfolk Pines.
The journey towards the ocean will conclude at a lookout providing views over the bay, the Southern Ocean and back towards the town centre.
Deemed the most significant feature in the town centre is the new paved Lord Street.
The lighting consists of pole mounted lights running the length of Lord Street, providing high quality but low intensity light, 2700K, to pedestrian areas.
Many of the fittings will on on timed dimming programs, with foreshore lighting sensor controlled.
There will also be a suite of modern touches, such as electrical car and bike charging stations, phone charging station and electronic visitor information signs.
Artist Vicki Couzens has been commissioned to design integrated artwork for the revitalisation project.
A Keerray Wooroong woman, Dr Couzens family oral history speaks of cultural connection, belonging and history with Port Campbell. Dr Couzens' artwork will tell a story of interconnectivity, kinship and community, using design and materials that reflect the local environment.
Dr Couzens will also be mentoring two Gunditjmara artists, handing on knowledge and skills to the next Custodians and Elders.
READ MORE:
- Former south-west resident Vicki Couzens's artwork will be part of redevelopment
- Port Campbell Pedestrian Bridge opens
- Port Campbell rescue mission to feature in documentary series
- Twelve Apostles Timboon to Port Campbell Trail will be huge
- Call for permit system to control congested Twelve Apostles
- Port Campbell town centre plan progresses to next stage
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