Our draft landscape design is now ready for review
All the input from our stage one engagement has been included in this design where possible.
How you can participate in stage two:
Drop in session Aireys market March 8
Online via our survey Final draft design survey
Twilight walking tour onsite Late March
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.
Community Interest in Relocating the Bus Stop
While the original project scope mentioned this as a possibility, the feedback confirmed a desire to review the location.
Interactive Map Feedback Included:
The most common themes identified on the map were:
- Pedestrian safety and traffic flow improvements are the most frequently.
- Better parking solutions, including overflow areas, timed parking in peak times, review of loading zones and revised layouts.
- The current bus stop and car entry point need realignment for efficiency and safety.
- Blackwood Lane requires better management to address dust, drainage, and loading zone issues.
- Public space upgrades need to maintain the informal coastal feel while improving usability.
- Sustainability and environmental considerations should be incorporated, including an EV charger and better dust suppression.
| 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. |
| Pedestrian Safety and Access | Improve pedestrian safety and movement. | Widen footpaths, introduce pedestrian priority zones, add traffic calming or reduced vehicle speed. |
While many ideas align with the project’s goals, some suggestions fall outside the current scope of the project or have previously been investigated.
| 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. |
| Revised Great Ocean Road design to support Top Shops Function | Widening the service road into the Great Ocean Road corridor. Options explored included reducing priority for the bicycle lane past the Top Shops, introducing direct parking access from the Great Ocean Road, and adding parallel parking on the opposite side of the road. |
