A vibrant new foreshore precinct for Eagle Point is a step closer after a contract to design the area’s redevelopment was awarded at East Gippsland Shire Council’s April 17 meeting.

The redevelopment plans for the foreshore next to Eagle Point Jetty evolved as a high priority from the Eagle Point Structure Plan and Eagle Point Marine and Coastal Management Plan, both adopted last year following extensive community consultation.

The latter plan included a concept for the area’s redevelopment. At last month’s Council meeting, Bild Architecture was awarded the contract to develop the concept into a detailed design.

The contract is worth $274,335, part of the $3.76 million Eagle Point Foreshore redevelopment to be completed in the 2021-22 financial year. The current detailed design and planning stage will take nine months to complete.

The Eagle Point community’s views will continue to be sought as the project progresses through this next detailed design phase.

The design of the foreshore will include moving the existing road away from the foreshore and include water-based play elements, new landscaping to create play areas, walkways and introduce shaded areas, and a bigger beach.

The concept also includes building a multi-purpose building which would house a community space, café, public toilets and caravan park kiosk. The existing toilet block near the jetty will be removed.

Mayor Cr John White said the project will make the foreshore more pedestrian friendly and inviting.

“This redevelopment will create an area that is more inviting and meets the needs of people who want to spend a few hours relaxing at the foreshore,” Cr White said.

“The current layout, while functional, is not ideal as a community space. The road separates the barbecue shelter from the toilets and the foreshore, and the toilets also interrupt the views of Lake King.

Cr White said moving the road is a key part of the project.

“Moving the road will give more of the foreshore back to the community. This will not only make it safer, but also makes the space more suitable for outdoor events,” Cr White said.

The Eagle Point Foreshore Redevelopment is supported by the Victorian Government’s Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme.

This low-interest loans scheme will allow council to complete the whole project at the one time. Without this loan, council would have completed the project in stages, with the road realignment first, and the remainder of the project in later years.

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