Altona's Pier Street will become a pedestrian-only mall for outdoor dining and entertainment under the proposal to permanently close part of the shopping strip to traffic.
Concept designs for what the area could look like have been developed, and the community is again invited to have its say on what it wants to see as part of the feature site between Queen Street and Blyth Street.
This section of the road has been closed since the COVID pandemic, when it was used to allow more outdoor dining.
In late 2023, Council surveyed traders, residents and the broader community about the future of outdoor dining in Hobsons Bay. Almost three quarters of respondents said they were 'very supportive' of permanently closing the Pier Street feature site area.
That feedback has been used to create the concept designs, which include examples of what could form part of the feature site, including tree plantings, children's activities and public artworks. These concept designs are now available for community feedback.
To enable the feature site, the road would need to be permanently closed. As part of this process, Council is also seeking community submissions about this permanent closure.
The concept designs also propose extending footpaths between Blyth Street and Railway Street South, bringing the road, parallel car parking spots and the footpath with outdoor dining parklets to the same level.
Residents can view concept designs and have their say on the feature site, extended footpath zone and the permanent closure of part of Pier Street until Friday 13 September 2024 at Participate Hobsons Bay.
Drop-in sessions at Altona Library to view designs and provide feedback are scheduled for Tuesday 27 August and Saturday 31 August, between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Matt Tyler:
"We've worked closely with traders, diners and the community on what they want to see on Pier Street. It's clear from their feedback that the majority want to see it permanently closed and become a thriving outdoor dining and entertainment spot.
"There are some great options about what the feature site can become, so this is an opportunity for the community to help shape the next stage of the design process."
