Williamstown’s foreshore precinct is set for a significant revamp, and the community is invited to have its say on three key projects.
Draft plans for a redevelopment of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club, concept plans for the open spaces along the foreshore, and a planting plan for Rifle Range Reserve will all be available for residents to provide feedback on.
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club
Council has worked with the life saving club, the state government and Life Saving Victoria to develop concept plans for a fit-for-purpose modern facility, which will help the club host activities, retain and attract volunteers and members, and continue serving the community into the future.
In line with heritage advice, the new clubhouse will retain the current tower and hall, which opened in 1935, ensuring the character of the building is maintained.
The state government has contributed $11.3 million towards this redevelopment, while Council has committed to contributing $3 million.
Williamstown foreshore
Concept plans have been developed for open space areas within the Williamstown foreshore including:
- Gloucester Reserve
- Williamstown Beach promenade
- Sadler Reserve
- Hatt Reserve, and
- Cyril Curtain Reserve.
These plans include tree plantings throughout the precinct and shelters within the Williamstown Beach area.
Rifle Range Reserve tree planting
The plan for the Rifle Range Reserve proposes planting trees along the shared trail through the reserve, in line with Council’s urban forest strategy to significantly increase canopy cover across Hobsons Bay.
All three plans will be available for community feedback for eight weeks, from Saturday 14 October to Sunday 10 December 2023, at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Drop-in sessions will also be held for residents to view and discuss the plans with Council officers.
- Saturday 21 October 2023, 10am-12pm, in front of Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club.
- Sunday 12 November 2023, 9am-2pm, at the Roberson Reserve Farmers Market.
- Sunday 12 November 2023, 10am-12pm, in front of Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club.
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay, Cr Tony Briffa:
“The Williamstown foreshore is one of our most beloved and popular spots in Hobsons Bay. These plans will bring new life to the reserves along the foreshore, restore heritage parts of the Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club while also upgrading its facilities and future proofing it against climate change, and see trees planted along the shared trail through the Rifle Range Reserve.
It’s important plans like these in such key areas of our community are considered by the community so that the Council can hear feedback before they are adopted by Council. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks.”
Quotes attributable to Williamstown Swimming and Surf Life Saving Club president, Claire Howell:
“Our club provides a wonderful and important service to the community and the new facility will help us do that long into the future. We’re pleased that the heritage of our clubhouse will be retained and we can’t wait to see this project come to life.”
Photo caption:
Cr Pamela Sutton-Legaud; Cr Jonathon Marsden; Cr Peter Hemphill; Claire Howell – President Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club; Lizzy McFarlane- Treasurer Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club; Minister for Local Government, the Hon Melissa Horne; Mayor Tony Briffa; Nick Gamble – Canvas Architects; and Olivia Webb- Life Saving Victoria.
