Drouin Commercial Place Precinct Improvements

  • Project typeStreetscape and upgrade
  • Project value$1.6 million
  • Project scheduleContractors are being sought with construction works expected to commence in late 2025
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Drouin’s Commercial Place Precinct is set for improvement works to revitalise the area and improve safety and accessibility for all users. 

Proposed works have been carefully considered with user experience in mind, and aim to elevate the precinct as a valued community space by: 

  • Improving pedestrian accessibility and addressing existing accessibility constraints. 

  • Improving safety, quality and amenity of public space. 

  • Making the laneways that connect Commercial Place to Princes Way valued public spaces. 

  • Encouraging usage and development as commercial frontage, not just a back-of-shop service/utility area. 

The proposed scope of works include: 

  • Returning Commercial Place to a partial one-way street from the end of the upper carpark area to the Woolworths carpark entry (cars can still enter and exit at Hope Street). This will then enable a variety of improvements along Commercial Place, including footpath widening, safer pedestrian crossing, new street furniture, and new gardens/trees. 

  • Creating new wayfinding signage throughout the area and laneways. 

  • Maintaining access for service and delivery vehicles while better defining pedestrian spaces. 

  • Laneway improvement works including paving, gardens, lighting, and opportunities for murals and public art. 

Concept designs

Concept image of the entrance to the precinct from the west

Concept image of the entrance to the precinct from the west

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Concept image showing a laneway connection from Commercial Place to Princes Way

Concept image showing a laneway connection from Commercial Place to Princes Way

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Concept image outlining the Commercial Place Precinct project area

Concept image outlining the Commercial Place Precinct project area

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Concept image showing an elevation view of the three laneways

Concept image showing an elevation view of the three laneways

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The full draft concept plan can be downloaded here.

Community Consultation

Council sought community input and feedback on the proposed concept plans over a four-week period across April and May 2022. Feedback was received from the local business community, community groups, and residents. 

Businesses and properties affected by the works will be contacted before and during construction and efforts will be made to minimise any impact to normal trading.

Project funding

The project has a budget of $1.6 million, which includes $600,000 from the Development Contributions Plan.

Timeline

Apr - May 2022: Community Consultation

Community consultation was held to hear feedback from local businesses and residents.

Jul - Aug 2022: Concept Design Finalised

Following the consultation period, feedback will be consolidated and the concept design was finalised.

Sept 2022 - Jun 2025: Creation of Detailed Designs

The design contract was awarded to Group GSA and has since undergone several rounds of revisions. The detailed design has now been finalised. 

Jun 2025 - Sept 2025: Procurement

Suitably qualified contractors will be sought to deliver the works.

Nov 2025 - Apr 2026: Construction

Construction.

Mar 2026 - Jun 2026: Public Art

Expressions of interest will be sought from qualified artists to explore public art opportunities in the revitalised laneways.

*Timelines are subject to change.

Contact us

Have questions? We are here to help!

For more information, please contact Council's Major Projects on 1300 229 229 or email projects@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

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