The Port Campbell Town Centre Revitalisation Project gained momentum when Corangamite Shire Council signed the 2023 Works Package contract with Civilnow at the end of July.
The largest single project Council has ever undertaken will strengthen and improve the function and amenity of Port Campbell’s town centre.
Site preparation works will start in the first weeks of August, focusing on the lower section of Lord Street (near the Norfolk Island Pines) and the foreshore.
These works include setting up the work sites, carrying out surveys and locating existing services, removing existing infrastructure, and installing power and lighting.
As part of the extended decking works under the Norfolk Island Pines, the middle pine that is in poor health will need to be removed for safety reasons.
Coastal Ward Councillor Jamie Vogels said residents should start to see major action on the foreshore and lower Lord Street by late August, depending on weather and availability of materials.
“There’s a fair bit of prep work to be done beforehand, but residents will definitely see more of a Civilnow presence around town from August,” Cr Vogels said.
“We are very mindful of carrying out physical works between August and early December to minimise disruption during peak tourism season.
“This is the culmination of years of planning, design and consultation. It’s now time for the major physical works to begin.
“The aim is to ensure that the town centre and foreshore better meet the needs of locals, especially in peak tourism times when visitor demand brings benefits for our local businesses and jobs.
“Obviously there is still work to do in obtaining materials and what-not when there are global supply issues and economic challenges, but we look forward to seeing the main package of works start.”
Civilnow Director Jason Rodger said the team is gearing up and excited to start work on this important project.
“Having worked with locals as part of the Twelve Apostles Trail project for the past two years we are really looking forward to building a town centre that the whole community can be proud of,” he said.
While the project will start with some necessary demolition works, Civilnow is focused on completing as much of the construction works on the foreshore and decking under the pines as possible over the coming months.
Works to the main section of Lord Street will not take place until winter 2024.
