Ferry facility $35m revamp
SEAROAD Ferries has unveiled a $35 million plan to upgrade its ferry precincts on both sides of Port Phillip Bay.
It has lodged development plans with council for upgrades in Queenscliff, which will include a new ferry terminal, public boardwalk and viewing platform.
Searoad Ferries chief executive Matt McDonald said the world-class terminal would allow passengers to board and disembark the ferry using a retractable walkway.
“The proposal offers significant benefits including better safety and pedestrian access to the pier, hundreds of new jobs in the construction phase, and a major economic boost for the region,” he said.
“It will give ferry passengers all the facilities and amenities that they need.”
A two-storey ferry terminal at Sorrento is also part of the $35 million upgrade.
The key architectural feature of the Queenscliff building is a curved roof that will provide protection from the weather. The building will have bathrooms, sheltered waiting areas, a tourism desk and retail outlets, which will include a cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
A new pedestrian boardwalk from the ferry terminal to the beach will include a lookout to the east and outdoor seating to the west.
The company is setting up a display of its plans at The Pavilion in Lower Princes Park.
This will allow the public to view and discuss the plans. It will be open on August 16, 19 and 23 from 9am until 1pm.
“We know how important this is to the local community so we look forward to hearing their views on this exciting project,” Mr McDonald said.
Last year Searoad Ferries moved more than 800,000 people and 200,000 vehicles across the bay, making it the busiest passenger and car ferry service in Australia.
Searoad Ferries is bullish about its future, after last month taking over the operation of the Western Port ferry service. It will expand that service in September with a new, bigger vessel, as it increases the frequency of trips between French Island, Phillip Island and Stony Point.