Marine Parade pavement replacement

Bass Coast Shire Council will shortly begin work to replace a section of footpath in Marine Parade, San Remo.

The section of path, located in front of the Westernport Hotel on the corner of Marine Parade and Woolamai Grove, has been lifted by tree roots, creating hazards for pedestrians.

The council said maintenance has been undertaken over the years to repair the footpath and retain the trees; this included patching, replacing sections and grinding to level sections.

However, the footpath has now reached a point where it needs to be replaced to ensure pedestrian safety.

In this instance three trees will be removed to prevent the footpath lifting in future; however they will be replaced with potted trees in line with the council's "commitment to maintaining character of our towns and climate change mitigation".

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve emphasised safety as a priority.

"Wherever possible we try to avoid removing mature trees but when it comes to our community's safety, we must put this first," Cr Le Serve said.

"The good news is the trees will be replaced with large potted trees once the footpath is complete.

"It is sad to lose mature trees in San Remo's town centre, but I look forward to a safer footpath for our community as well as seeing the new pots and trees in place when the project is completed."

The replacement footpath will be plain, fibre reinforced concrete.

Council officers met with the adjacent businesses about the project to ensure the impact to their business is minimised.

Access to the Westernport Hotel and surrounding businesses will be maintained at all times.

Council said it anticipates the project will take approximately four weeks to complete with the new footpath ready by mid-May, weather permitting.

During the works there will be traffic and pedestrian control measures in place.

Further information at engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/marine-parade-san-remo-footpath.