Aireys Inlet top shops project progresses
Published on 20 March 2025
Surf Coast Shire Council is progressing an Aireys Inlet top shops design project, following valuable feedback from locals and visitors.
The Aireys Inlet Top Shops Design Improvements Project aims to improve the layout and function of the town’s top shops area on the Great Ocean Road. Ultimately, a final detailed design will be considered by Council and if endorsed, it will be used to seek funding for the construction phase of the project.
What we heard
An engagement period attracted a strong response, welcoming:
- 151 survey responses
- 72 comments on an interactive map
- More than 190 conversations at three pop-up sessions.
There is a desire for any top shops improvements to retain the coastal character and small-town feel of Aireys Inlet and to avoid over-development.
Respondents appreciate that the area is easy to get around on foot, and a precinct that offers a good mix of food, retail and services.
Suggestions included more greenery and shaded areas, better signage including a community noticeboard, and improved pedestrian safety. The latter could include the relocation of the bus stop, while Council will also explore potential parking layouts.
Councillor Leon Walker thanked people for their input, which has been collated in an engagement report.
“A special shoutout to Aireys locals,” Cr Walker said. “Eighty-four per cent of survey respondents were Aireys residents, which highlights their passion for their town."
What's next
“All input will help us work towards the goal of a great looking, functional and environmentally friendly space for everyone to enjoy – whether that’s while they’re popping into the shops, or as a spot to sit and chat," Cr Walker said.
The next phase of the project is now underway, with Council appointing Pete Wilson Landscape Architecture to begin a detailed design process.
The community will be invited to provide feedback on a draft design in May/June this year.
“I encourage interested people to have a look through the full engagement report to understand the range of views and the potential adjustments we can make,” Cr Walker said.
Stay up to date
To access the engagement report and to stay up to date with the project – including future engagement opportunities – please visit the Aireys Inlet Top Shops Your Say page.
The background
The Aireys Inlet Top Shops Design Improvements is guided by two of Council’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.
“The latest round of community input aligns well with the previous feedback, which is pleasing,” Cr Walker said. “Again, we’ve heard loud and clear just how treasured coastal character is on the Surf Coast.”