Views sought to improve Aireys top shops design

AIREYS Inlet locals and visitors are invited to help shape a design to improve the entrance to the town’s top shops area on the Great Ocean Road.

The Surf Coast Shire is seeking community input to create a detailed design for a small-scale, relaxed, green coastal village space at the top shops.

The engagement period will open this Sunday, December 15 and close on January 12, 2025.

People can identify access, parking, and safety improvements, as well as ways to encourage community connection – from street furniture and shaded areas to bike parking, dog bowls and a community noticeboard.

Shire staff will be at Aireys Inlet Market at the community hall on Sunday from 9am to 1pm, while people can also pop by the top shops to talk with shire staff on Tuesday, December 17 from 9.30am to 11.30am and Friday, December 20 from 11.30am to 1pm.

The shire is also running an online survey.

Otway Range councillor Libby Stapleton said community input would be valuable.

“We’re aiming for a detailed design that will lay the foundation for a casual gathering place – whether that be meeting a friend, stopping by the top shops to pick something up, or simply to take some time out,”

she said. “It would also complement outdoor trading by the adjacent shops.”

“We’d also love to hear your views on how we can enhance the visual appeal of the area, including plants and the types of materials that should be used.”

Cr Stapleton said there would be more opportunities to have a say as the project progressed.

“Ultimately, a final detailed design will be considered by Council and if endorsed, we’ll use it to seek funding for the construction phase of the project,” she said.

The Aireys Inlet Top Shops Design Improvements features in two of the shire’s long-term strategic planning documents: the Aireys Inlet Top and Bottom Shops Urban Design Framework 2015 and the Aireys Inlet to Eastern View Structure Plan 2015.

“This project will reflect what we’ve heard previously from the Aireys community; that Aireys Inlet’s treasured coastal village character and natural beauty should be protected and enhanced,” Cr Stapleton said.

“Our town is full of passionate locals. I encourage you all to provide feedback so a diverse range of views are considered.”

To contribute, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/AireysInletTopShops