Gilbert Street revamp could reshape Torquay centre

Gilbert Street could be in line for a major revamp, with the Surf Coast Shire seeking state government funding to transform the heart of Torquay’s town centre.

The proposed works – covering the area broadly bounded by The Esplanade, Zeally Bay Road, Boston Road and the western edge of Torquay Village Shopping Centre – would see Gilbert Street converted to one-way traffic, alongside wider footpaths, new crossings, street furniture and planting.

The aim is to make the strip more pedestrian-friendly and better suited to outdoor dining, events and everyday activity.

The project forms part of a broader push backed by the G21 Alliance, which in March threw its support behind an $11.8 million renewal package for the Torquay town centre, including opportunities for residential apartments above existing shops.

The shire says it will not prepare a new precinct plan to guide that growth, instead pointing to the Torquay Town Centre Project Urban Design Framework (UDF), adopted in 2017.

While the street-level upgrades focus on public space, building heights and future development in central Torquay remain governed by the Surf Coast Distinctive Area and Landscape Statement of Planning Policy.

Under the policy, buildings in the town centre are generally limited to two to three storeys, with up to four storeys only permitted where development is carefully designed to protect streetscapes, avoid overshadowing public areas and maintain coastal views.

Height and development intensity in central Torquay have long been contentious.

In 2021, the council delayed adopting the Torquay/Jan Juc Retail and Employment Land Strategy after removing references to “multi-level” mixed-use development and specific height limits for the town centre.

The shire’s general manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike said the town centre was the heart of Torquay and the shire had a long-held vision to develop it in a way that was not only sustainable but also reflected the town’s character and the values of the local community.

“There is great potential to make positive changes that would see the town centre become more people friendly, and more appealing for wider uses such as entertainment and social activity. This would in turn bring economic benefit,” he said.

“There is also an identified need to increase housing diversity in Torquay, and the town centre offers a significant opportunity to encourage higher density housing close to services.

“Through investment in the public spaces in the town centre, we aim to attract private investment in commercial, entertainment and apartment development, which would help elevate the area further.”