The Aireys Inlet Top Shops are a lively and active space. Council is seeking your input on some improvements to both the commercial and pedestrian areas. The last engagement project ran in 2015 and we would like to check in with you because so much has changed since then. There are several ways you can contribute to the discussion to help us brief a commercial designer.
Most of you would be aware there are constraints with parking, pedestrian access, dust and resting spots. We want to work together to find solutions.
Once we have the agreed design we will be seeking funding opportunities to improve the space.
Please follow the page to keep up to date.
Project objectives
We'll be seeking community input to help create a detailed design for a small-scale, relaxed and green coastal village space at the entrance to the Aireys Inlet top shops. We'll also be identifying design improvements for access, parking and safety.
The projects objectives are:
Improve first impressions
- Make the gateway to Aireys Inlet Top Shops more attractive and functional.
Create a community hub
- Develop a space that encourages foot traffic, social interaction, community gatherings, and casual activities.
Coastal village design
- Incorporate shade trees and local plants to create a natural, coastal atmosphere.
Maximise useable space
- Optimise the area for walking, sitting, parking, and access to public transport.
Water-Sensitive Urban Design
- Implement sustainable design practices to manage water use, reduce dust and enhance environmental sustainability.
Improve pedestrian safety
- Explore the potential to widen the footpath along the full length of the retail strip and improve pedestrian priority and streetscape amenity.
Benefits
The design concept will include the following benefits:
Community connection
- The project will create a space where residents and visitors can come together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Aesthetic appeal
- It will also enhance the visual appeal of the entrance to Aireys Inlet Top Shops, making it more inviting for visitors.
Environmental sustainability
- By integrating sustainable design practices, the project will contribute to the to the ecological health of the area and reduce dust.
Key features
The following attributes will be considered in the design concept:
Shade Trees
- Consider trees to provide natural shade and a comfortable environment.
Public Seating
- Consider seating, including areas for dog hitches and bike parking, to encourage people to relax and enjoy the space.
Vegetation and Planting
- Use local plant species to enhance the coastal village feel, support local biodiversity and reduce dust in the areas
Sustainable Design
- Use of water-sensitive urban design principles to ensure the project is environmentally friendly and can be easily maintained.
Access
- Review pedestrian flow, footpaths, bus stop location, and parking design for better safety and functionality.
Please note:
The Department of Transport and Planning has installed a pedestrian crossing across the Great Ocean Road between the Aireys Inlet Medical Centre and the Top Shops near the Chemist. The future design of the Aireys Inlet top shops will align with these planned works to address any changes made to access or vegetation.
Engagement Activity
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What we heard
A well-loved community hub
The Aireys Inlet Top Shops area is a much-loved part of the community, with many people saying they like it just the way it is. Some felt no changes were needed, while others shared ideas on improving it.
Preserving the coastal village feel
A common theme in the feedback was the importance of preserving the coastal village feel and avoiding overdevelopment. While there were suggestions for improvements, many people want to see any changes carefully considered to maintain the area's unique character.
Community Feedback Consistent
It’s great to see that the community’s feedback aligns well with the project scope and earlier input from the 2015 Aireys Inlet to Eastern View Structure Plan and Urban Design Framework.
The summary table provides a comparison of community feedback and the project scope, showing how local voices are shaping the project’s direction.
Community Interest in Relocating the Bus Stop
A key point from this consultation is the community interest in exploring the potential relocation of the bus stop. While the original project scope mentioned this as a possibility, the feedback confirmed a desire to review the location especially if it creates a more functional, safe and welcoming space.
Next Steps & Future Opportunities
Whilst this first round of the engagement is now closed there will be other opportunities to contribute down the track. Our next step will be to brief a consultant and see how they can integrate the ideas.
Once we have a new draft design we will also come back to you to share the concept.
Feedback Summary Table
Feedback provided by community has been grouped into five themes listed below. Each theme includes a comment on how it already aligns with the scope and how the community feedback has influenced the direction of the project.
Community Feedback and alignment with Project Scope
| Community Feedback | Project Scope Alignment | Potential Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian Safety and Access | Improve pedestrian safety and movement. | Widen footpaths, introduce pedestrian priority zones, add traffic calming or reduced vehicle speed. |
| Parking and Traffic Flow | Review pedestrian flow, footpaths, bus stop location, and parking design for better safety and functionality. | Review parking, regulate short-term parking, redesign loading zones. Explore parking layouts to improve efficiency and safety including poor visibility at the Albert Ave and Great Ocean Road intersection. |
| Public spaces and facilities | Improve first impressions and enhance coastal village design with shade trees and local plants. Consider seating and community noticeboard. | Keep coastal design, use local materials and native plants to blend with the environment. Add flexible seating, dog hitches and bike parking. Street art. |
| Bus Stop Location | Relocating or realigning the bus stop and car park redesign could improve pedestrian and vehicle flow. | Explore moving the bus stop for better pedestrian safety and traffic flow and consider how this might adjust the traffic entry. |
| Sustainability and Environmental Design | Environmentally sustainable and water sensitive urban design with better surface treatments to improve drainage and reduce dust. | Consider lighting that aligns with dark-sky objectives, safety and aesthetics. Investigate integrated water management, Permeable paving and dust suppression initiatives. |
Not currently included in the scope of this project
We appreciate all the great ideas shared during the community consultation. While many align with the project’s goals, some suggestions fall outside the current scope of the project or have previously been investigated. However, these ideas are still valuable, and we’ll ensure they are noted for future planning or passed on to the relevant teams where possible
| Community Feedback | Comment |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle Charging Stations | A high-capacity 50kW EV charger is already planned for installation at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall in mid-2025. |
| Sealing Blackwood Lane | Suggested as a means to reduce dust while enhancing stability, drainage, and usability. However, the Aireys Inlet to Eastern View Structure Plan 2015 recommends maintaining the informal character of roads and paths by preserving gravel surfaces where possible. The project will explore options such as dust suppression and permeable paving, which could be extended to Blackwood Lane if appropriate. |
| Toilets in the Top Shops area | Several previous investigations have determined that the most suitable locations for public toilets are the Skate Park and Community Hall. |