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Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces

Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.

By news@gippsland - 9th September 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is pleased to announce that works on the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project will soon begin, following the awarding of the construction contract to Fulton Hogan. This major project is being delivered thanks to $8 million in funding from the Australian government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, alongside Council and private investment in revitalising Cowes.

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project delivers staged upgrades, enhancing safety, greenery and connectivity while supporting local businesses, community and visitors

About the project

The Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project will deliver significant civil and landscaping improvements along Thompson Avenue North and The Esplanade (between Bass Avenue and Warley Avenue). These upgrades are a vital step in bringing the Cowes community's long-term vision to life - creating safer, greener and more connected spaces that locals can be proud of and visitors will love to explore. The project will be completed in 7 stages, minimising disruption as far as possible for local businesses, community and visitors.

Benefits for the community

This exciting project will:

• Create 'Streets for People', prioritising pedestrians and sustainable transport
• Strengthen connections between the township and the foreshore
• Reinvigorate Cowes' character, boosting local business and community life
• Deliver safer, more accessible and appealing streetscapes for all

Project construction timeline

• Works commence: 29 September 2025
• Duration: Approximately 13 months (subject to weather and other construction delays unable to be predicted)

Stage 1 - The Esplanade East (between Thompson Avenue and Bass Avenue)

Stage 1 will focus on upgrading essential services and creating the foundations for a safer and more welcoming precinct. This includes renewing water and sewer mains, upgrading stormwater drainage, and reconstructing the road and pavement to better support outdoor dining spaces and a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The works will also deliver new kerb and channel, upgraded public lighting, and fresh landscaping - helping to create greener, safer and more inviting spaces for families, shoppers and visitors.

Cowes streetscape stage 1.1

Foreshore safety works

A permanent change to one-way eastbound traffic along The Esplanade will also be introduced to improve safety and create more space for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the foreshore.

• Works scheduled: 29 September - end December 2025
• This section of road will be closed during works
• Pedestrian access will be maintained via the foreshore path
• Two-way traffic will continue along Thompson Avenue and the Esplanade West towards Warley Avenue

Council has been working closely with Cowes traders throughout the design and planning of this project to ensure their voices are heard and their needs understood.

Supporting local businesses

As construction gets underway, Council will continue to support businesses through the Trading through Transformation campaign. This initiative will promote Cowes as a welcoming destination during the works, encouraging the community and visitors to shop local, dine out, and continue enjoying everything the township has to offer.

Wayfinding signage, marketing support, and regular updates will help residents and visitors navigate the area confidently while ensuring local businesses have as minimal disruption to trading as possible and Cowes maintains its vibrancy.

Cowes streetscape stage 1.2

What to expect during works

While Council is committed to minimising disruption, the community may notice:

• Civil and landscaping works, including new footpaths, landscaping, and road realignments
• Use of heavy machinery, resulting in some noise, vibration and dust
• Temporary traffic management measures causing occasional delays - please plan trips accordingly
• Limited access to some roads and footpaths at certain times

Council and our contractor will continue to work closely with businesses and residents, with regular communication and clear updates provided throughout the project. Project updates will be available on Engage Bass Coast once the project commences.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com