Works will soon commence to improve safety, accessibility and revitalise Drouin's Commercial Place shopping and service precinct.
Designed with user experience in mind, the $1.1 million project aims to refresh the area and elevate the precinct as a valued community space.
Streetscape works will target Commercial Place (between Hope Street and Bank Place) and extend into the three adjoining laneways that lead to Princes Way.
Construction is planned to commence in October 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.
The project will deliver improvements including:
- Construction of two new raised pedestrian crossings
- Renewal of the footpath along Commercial Place
- Surface refresh for the three laneways (including Festival Lane)
- New street furniture and bins
- New line marking, kerb and channel
- Improved public lighting
- Upgrades to stormwater drainage
- New trees, refreshed plantings and new garden beds
- Existing trees will not be removed as part of these works.
Additionally, a portion of Commercial Place will be returned to one-way traffic to improve safety of the narrow roadway and better accommodate heavy vehicle traffic using the adjacent loading dock.
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said the project will enhance the busy shopping, service and business hub.
"As Drouin grows, the Commercial Place precinct has become a bustling hive of activity. By making the connecting areas more inviting and safer to navigate, we're ensuring these areas continue to thrive and service the community well into the future," Cr Goss said.
Following a detailed tender process, experienced civil construction contractor Accomplished Plumbing Services has been appointed to deliver the project on behalf of Council. The tender was awarded at the 24 September 2025 Council meeting.
Deputy Mayor West Ward Cr Tricia Jones said it was great to see this project move to the next step.
"Not only will this project help to beautify and refresh the area, but it will also improve usability of the whole precinct which features many popular shops, medical professions, hairdressers and other specialties", said Cr Jones.
During construction, Council and the contractor will work closely with the community to minimise and manage impacts on pedestrians, vehicles and neighbouring businesses.
The project is funded through Council's Capital Works Program and a $600,000 input from the Development Contributions Plan.
