Focus on Torquay Town Centre

The first of two community consultation events proposed as part of the Torquay Town Centre Plan was held on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 in Torquay. This was part of a three phase engagement : a project stakeholder workshop, stakeholder walking tour and a community drop–in session.

The Drop- in session encouraged and provided opportunity for ideas and feedback about the town centre. The main themes that emerged from the session were very consistent with those raised through the 350 completed surveys including:

• Retain the ‘local’ feel and appearance is an important issue for the town centre

• Increasing connections to the foreshore

• Increasing community space within the town centre

• Preferences for Gilbert to become a one way street rather than fully pedestrianized

It was great to note that people felt safe in the Gilbert Street Precinct and people would like use the area more often after dark. The next step is a planned cafe-style forum to be held in April 2017.

Further information regarding the next phase will be released soon.

If you would like to know more and stay informed, you can put your name on the project contact list on surfcoastcoversations.com.au

WHAT IS THE TORQUAY TOWN CENTRE PROJECT? The Torquay Town Centre Project will deliver a plan to ensure Gilbert Street and the wider town centre is an exciting and vibrant precinct that meets our growing community needs.

The project is focused around Gilbert Street and extends to nearby retail and residential areas as shown on the map below.

With community input, the plan will steer the future development of our coastal town centre, providing guidance on matters such as:

• Streetscape improvements – new tree plantings, footpath design, street furniture;

• Private development – building heights, setbacks, materials etc;

• Promoting investment and job creation;

• Traffic access; and

• Ways to connect the town centre with public spaces and other business precincts.

Surf Coast Shire Council has partnered with Regional Development Victoria for the project.