Project fails to connect
Critics question value of plan for Torquay
A PROPOSED $800,000 makeover for Torquay’s town centre, including new carparks, pedestrian crossings and bike stations, has sparked community concerns.
Almost 200 formalised carparks will form part of the project, including 150 fronting Taylor Park along Zeally Bay Rd and another 40 along Fisher St.
The project will also include the installation of five pedestrian crossings on Zeally Bay Rd, Bristol Rd, Gilbert St and Pearl St, along with three bike stations.
The State Government announced this week it would contribute a $500,000 grant towards the project, with the Surf Coast Shire providing a further $300,000.
3228 Residents Association secretary Sue O’Shanassy questioned whether council’s funds for the project could be better spent elsewhere.
“I know a lot of people don’t want it because there’s concern about spending money on projects that aren’t essential,” Ms O’Shanassy said. “It seems like a lot of money — whether it’s an essential thing to be doing at this point of time, I’m not too sure.”
She said formalised carparking could be beneficial and welcomed the bike stations, but worried the pedestrian crossings could affect traffic flow in the long-term.
A council report said the project would allow the town centre to “realise its potential” and provide better connection to natural assets such as the foreshore and Taylor Park.
“Torquay’s town centre does not deliver on the expectation of being a vibrant and engaging coastal shopping and services precinct,” it said.
“There is a need to stimulate the Torquay town centre (which currently has a higherthan-normal level of vacant shopfronts) by creating a more pedestrian-friendly precinct.”
The project is set to start in this year and be completed by November 2021, according to the council.
Mayor Rose Hodge said it would make it easier for residents and visitors to access shops, restaurants and businesses. “This project will significantly improve access to Torquay’s town centre, whether you’re travelling by foot, bike or car,” Cr Hodge said.
“It will deliver muchneeded extra carparking spaces — and create spaces for long vehicles — as well as provide pedestrian safety improvements, signage and cycling infrastructure.”
The upgrades are part of the council’s Torquay town centre project, which includes more than $12.3 million in works.