Bass Coast development applications provide a glimpse of region’s changing streetscapes

From shops, cafe and a rooftop garden at Inverloch to a million-dollar adult centre at Cowes, see some of the huge developments coming to the Bass Coast.

From shops, cafe and a rooftop garden at Inverloch to a million-dollar adult centre at Cowes, these are some of the exciting developments coming to the Bass Coast.

At its ordinary meeting this week, Bass Coast Council discussed the developments that would change the face of the region.

See the list:

The Esplanade Inverloch

Bass Coast Council has voted to allow the construction of a four-storey mixed use development at 2-4 The Esplanade, Inverloch.

The building will include accommodation, retail shops, breakout rooms, a cafe and a rooftop garden. The building has brick pattern tiles with strong horizontal aluminium framing elements that the plans say will “merge” to the surrounding environment.

Council has approved the development of a multi-use building on the Inverloch Foreshore.

The plan is expected to contribute to the local tourism economy and improve visitor experiences.

Councillor Les Larke objected to the development because in his opinion it would “overshadow” the opposite parkland.

He said the impact of this was “downplayed” in the report.

Community members also expressed dissatisfaction over the development citing “loss of view, noise, overdevelopment and visual impact”.

There are fears the new development in Inverloch will “overshadow” surrounding parkland.

The councillors addressed each concern, but ultimately none of the concerns submitted were enough to stop them voting in favour of the development.

It was passed with six councillors voting for the development and two voting against.

Chapel Street, Cowes

The Bass Coast Shire Council voted to allow the construction of a mixed use development at 77 Chapel Street in Cowes.

It is set to be a three-storey mixed use building comprising of seven two-bedroom dwellings, one semi-detached two-bedroom dwelling and one shop on the ground floor facing Chapel Street.

Council has approved the development of a multi-use building on Chapel Street in Cowes.

Councillor David Rooks said this was an “exciting” development and it was “very attractive”

“This is the right building at the right time,” he said.

Councillor Ron Bauer said the building did not match its surrounds, labelling it as “overkill”.

The development attracted a number of complaints from residents who said the building was “out of character” for the area and it would contribute to “overdevelopment”.

This comes after another development proposed for Thompson Ave earlier in the year gave rise to concerns that it would make the town feel like too much of a “city”.

The council voted to pass the development with only one councillor voting against the plans.

Phillip Island Center for Adult Learning, Cowes

The Phillip Island Center for Adult Learning (PICAL) was successful in gaining more required funds to move forward with the development of its new centre.

The council voted on Wednesday to grant PICAL an additional $166,106.69 to continue the development of its centre on Waverly Avenue in Cowes. The initial contract was for $1,160,968.73 but now it totals $1,951,367.69.

The increase in funds reflected the rising costs of material and labour.

The council has agreed to put more funding towards the development of the new PICAL site in Cowes.

Councillor David Rooks said the council had been “extremely supportive” of PICAL and without the funding construction would end.

PICAL was unable to remain at its current site as the land was purchased by the state government for a community hospital.

Councillor Rochelle Halstead said she would like some “acknowledgment” for ratepayers as they were the major funders of the project.

“This is a project that is costing around $2 million and the state government has only contributed $100,000,” she said.

“The ratepayers should get an acknowledgment as it is their money delivering outcomes.”

Bass Coast Shire Council signage will be displayed on the development to reflect the ratepayer contribution.

The proposal was passed by all councillors.