Goya Dmytryshchak
The Altona beach precinct will undergo a $12.9 million upgrade, including a new main beach entry at Altona pier.
The state government last week announced it would contribute $4.4 million towards Hobsons Bay council’s $12.9 million Altona foreshore redevelopment project.
A further $1.4 million will be contributed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Works at the main beach entry will include beach showers, public art, bike hoops and more shade and vegetation.
Part of Pier Street, Weaver Reserve and the Esplanade will be upgraded.
The southern end of Pier Street will have footpath upgrades and widening along shopfronts, tree plantings, street furniture and landscaping.
Two new beach access points, with steps and ramps, will be built at Mount and Webb streets.
Sections of the seawall will be raised and the shared bike and pedestrian path on the Esplanade, between Webb and Sargood streets, will be improved.
Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said the redevelopment would benefit beachgoers from afar.
“The Altona foreshore is a much loved and utilised place in Hobsons Bay, and indeed across Melbourne’s west, popular for a range of activities,” he said.
“Even during winter, people find a reason to visit our iconic foreshore.
“The Altona foreshore redevelopment will create flexible public spaces, provide alternative options to access the beach and improve safety and movement for pedestrians and cyclists around the Altona Beach promenade.”
Altona MP Jill Hennessy said the redevelopment would cater for outdoor markets, festivals and community events.
“Altona’s foreshore revitalisation will see Pier Street become a vibrant place of festivals and events in the warmer months,” she said.
“I welcome the great flexibility that the new streetscape will give local traders and our communities to gather and enjoy our foreshore.”
The redevelopment will be rolled out in stages with work on the pedestrian ramps at Mount and Webb streets starting in September.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
