THE final works for stage one of the Rye Township Plan have been completed, delivering a fully upgraded Rye Foreshore Park and Promenade for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Construction began in May with the upgrades including a linked promenade to the northern end of Napier St, a refurbished central walkway, an upgraded western car park, and a brand-new foreshore park replacing the former eastern car park.
There are also two new plaza areas at either end of the promenade, new seating and furniture, landscaping, an extension of the Pauline Powell boardwalk, and renewed grass open spaces.
Stage one was funded with a total investment of $6.5 million, split evenly between the state government’s growing suburbs fund ($3.25 million) and Mornington Peninsula Shire ($3.25 million).
Since its adoption in 2015, the Rye Township Plan has provided the strategic vision for improvements to the foreshore, streetscape, and town centre. It was developed closely with the Rye community, the Rye Community Group Alliance, and the former Rye Beach Business Association.
The Rye community and visitors can now enjoy the upgraded alongside previously completed works including the Napier St Plaza and Rye West campgrounds.
Mayor Anthony Marsh said the works had “been a long time coming for many” and thanked everyone for their “hard work and persistence”.
Nepean Ward Cr Andrea Allen added, “How special it is, to see our beautiful Rye transform with thanks to these much needed, hard fought for works. These upgrades are something we can all enjoy, 365 days a year”.
The next stage of the township plan will focus on reconfiguring Point Nepean Rd to expand public footpaths, enhance streetscaping, and improve traffic flow, with particular attention to pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The initiative comes in response to a concerning history of collisions, with 38 reported casualty crashes over the past decade in the commercial centre, including injuries to 10 pedestrians and eight cyclists.
Concept plans are being prepared for review by the Department of Transport (DoT). Once this is complete, the plans will be updated, and the community will have the opportunity to provide input during a consultation period.
According to the township plan report, a seasonal car parking scheme would be created along Point Nepean Rd including removable bollards to allow for increased pedestrian pavement (up to 10.7 metres) during the busier months, while also providing car parking to shops during the winter months.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 24 December 2025