We’re working to revitalise the Torquay Town Centre and Baines Crescent precincts so they can better support local jobs, businesses and community life. Both areas play an important role in our local economy, but they need coordinated investment and planning to reach their full potential.
This work is consistent with the planning direction included in the Victorian Government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscape Statement of Planning Policy for the Surf Coast, which provides strategic support for renewal in the Torquay Town Centre and Baines Crescent precincts.
Delivering this program of work will require a staged approach over a long-term period – up to 10 years.
We will engage with the community as we plan and deliver projects across both precincts.
Why we’re doing this work
We need a clear plan to:
- unlock economic, social and urban development opportunities
- guide public and private investment
- improve the look, feel and function of both precincts
- support more diverse housing options
- give businesses, landowners and the community confidence about the future
- prepare “funding‑ready” projects to attract government and private investment
Benefits for the community
- More local jobs and stronger economic activity
- Better support for local businesses
- A more vibrant, attractive and functional town centre
- Improved public spaces, streets and pedestrian connections
- Clear direction for future development and investment
What we are currently working on
- Baines Crescent Precinct: Preliminary work is focused on building an understanding of market conditions, including opportunities and constraints that may influence future investment.
Initially this includes targeted discussions with the market and landowners to understand investment potential and future development opportunities, particularly where changes could benefit the whole precinct.
- Torquay Town Centre: Gilbert St upgrades detailed design – coming soon.
About The Precincts
Torquay Town Centre
The Torquay Town Centre is the traditional heart of Torquay and the focus of retail, commercial and social activity.
Opportunities exist to improve vibrancy, particularly beyond daytime trading hours, and to expand entertainment, accommodation, and hospitality offerings.
Work in the Torquay Town Centre will be focused on actions identified in the adopted Urban Design Framework, including planning for strategic opportunity sites, Gilbert Street upgrades along with broader precinct streetscape and road improvements.
Baines Crescent Precinct
Baines Crescent Precinct is an important employment and visitor area with a rich history in surf culture and innovation. The precinct includes Surf City and the adjoining Baines Crescent. Existing uses include a mix of light industrial, commercial and civic uses.
Given Torquay’s position as the first destination on the Great Ocean Road, a revitalised Baines Crescent precinct has potential to significantly improve the experience for residents and visitors and increase diversity and yield for the Victorian visitor economy.
Strategic planning work has identified the area as an enterprise precinct and further work is needed to identify a vision and opportunities for revitalisation as well as deliver a planning framework, including appropriate zoning.
