Have your say on improvements to Drouin’s Commercial Place Precinct

Published on 28 April 2022

The community is invited to have their say on draft concept designs for improvement works on Drouin’s Commercial Place Precinct and laneways to revitalise the area and improve safety, accessibility and activation for users.

Draft concept designs have been prepared showcasing a proposed scope of works which include:

• Returning Commercial Place to a one-way street from the upper carpark through to Hope Street to enable footpath widening, pedestrian crossing safety improvements, new street furniture and new gardens and trees.
• New wayfinding signage throughout the area and laneways.
• Maintaining access for service and delivery vehicles while better defining pedestrian spaces.
• Laneway improvements works including new paving, gardens, lighting and opportunities for murals and public art.

The draft concept designs 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 address existing accessibility constraints.
• Improving safety, quality and amenity of public space.
• Make laneways connecting Commercial Place to Princes Way valued public spaces.
• Encourage usage and development as a commercial frontage, not just a back of shop service/utility area.

This consultation opportunity is now open for four weeks, closing on Thursday 26 May 2022.

Following this initial consultation period, community feedback will be consolidated and considered to further refine the concept designs. The refined concept designs will then form the basis of detailed design and construction works which will take place in the future.

For full project details including detailed draft concept designs and the opportunity to have your say, go to Commercial Place Improvement Works.

The draft concept designs have been prepared as part of key priorities identified in the Drouin Township Plan 2020.

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Michael Leaney

“At the heart of these plans is the goal to bring the Commercial Lane Precinct in line with modern user expectations and universal accessibility standards. We want to deliver a safer roadway, better footpaths and crossings, and improve the general look and feel of the area to give it a real identity and sense of space. There is also a real opportunity to improve and encourage commercial usage of the space which would be a welcome boost for Drouin’s economy.”

“We encourage local residents, business owners and visitors to review the proposed plans and have your say.”

Image: Aerial view of Drouin’s Commercial Place Precinct and public laneways set for improvement.

Image: Draft concept design of improved pathways, gardens and a safer pedestrian crossing along Commercial Place in Drouin.

Image: Draft concept design of improved pathways and activation on Commercial Place leading into the laneways.