The Rye Township Plan sets the strategic vision and direction for the improvement of the foreshore, streetscape and town centre of Rye. The Rye Township Plan was developed closely with the Rye community, Rye Beach Business Association, Rye Community Alliance and Rye Community Groups and Clubs and was adopted by Council in 2017.

Stage 1 of the Rye Township Plan rollout is being funded through a $3.25 million state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and a matching $3.25 million contribution from Council. A total investment in Rye of $6.5 million

Stage 1 works include the following projects:

  • Napier Street Plaza Redevelopment
  • Foreshore Promenade
  • Foreshore Camping Reconfiguration
  • Foreshore Park.

Stage 1 works are planned to be delivered between 2020 and 2024.

Rye township plan

  • Rye Foreshore Promenade

    The foreshore is the gateway to Rye township and improvement works will help express the local culture and signify its importance as a key attraction. New outdoor furniture, public art, lighting and other features will enhance the Foreshore Promenade.

  • Napier Street Plaza

    Napier Street Plaza will be expanded and transformed into a vibrant public space, creating the space as the main ‘heart’ of the township.

  • Rye Foreshore Camping

    The Foreshore Campground currently takes us a large portion of the Foreshore Reserve. Changes and improvements to the foreshore camping area will address current concerns and balance the needs of the campers, holiday makers and the community.

Key Documents

Rye Township Plan Documents

The Rye Township Plan has been developed closely with the Rye community, Rye Beach Business Association, Rye Community Alliance and Rye Community Groups and Clubs.

Following further community consultation last year, the foreshore landscape strategy and concept plan was updated and presented to Council to endorse prior to commencing detailed design. Council endorsed the plan subject to amendments which have since been made.

Detailed design is now progressing based on the below Rye Foreshore Concept Design.

A further stage of the Rye Township Plan aims to reconfigure Point Nepean Rd to extend the public domain footpath area, provide opportunities for streetscaping and improved traffic management including improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety to address the high number of crashes occurring.

Over the previous 10 years there has been overall 38 casualty crashes through the commercial centre that include 10 pedestrians and 8 cyclists being injured along Point Nepean Rd.

Concept plans are currently being developed for the Department of Transport (DoT) review.

Early draft concept plans are attached below and will be updated following the DoT review.

Community consultation will be undertaken once the draft concept plans are finalised and the DoT review has been completed.

Download: Draft Functional Layout Plans - Point Nepean Road, Rye
Download: Existing view -Point Nepean Road, Rye
Download: Draft Proposed View near Hunt Avenue, Point Nepean Road, Rye
Download: Draft Proposed View near Lyons Street, Point Nepean Road, Rye

Key Features

Key Features

A key aspect of the project is to support and enhance local coastal ecology throughout the foreshore. Initiatives such re-vegetating and regenerating foreshore areas, rationalising beach access points and installing signage to raise awareness and value of the landscape are proposed.

During the detailed design stage the selection of new tree species will be considered to maximise the biodiversity benefits associated with the project.

Council is preparing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the entire foreshore and will be working with the Bunurong Land Council to ensure that indigenous heritage can be interpreted and told across the foreshore.

The inclusion of artwork across the foreshore will help to make the space more inviting. Council will be considering the inclusion of public artwork into the design where possible.

Accessibility throughout the foreshore is paramount to connect people to the bay. Upgrades to the bay trail as well as secondary path connections are proposed to provide access to and from key destinations throughout the foreshore.

Community Feedback

The Rye Township Plan aims to consolidate and build upon previous township planning work to deliver an outcome that encapsulates the needs and desires of the local community.

It has been developed through a deep consultation process with the community, its representative leaders, Council representatives and Councillors to deliver on desires to enhance the existing natural assets, engage with the cultural history of the township, and improve the area’s ability to continue to take advantage of its enviable position on Port Phillip bay.

Building on the feedback of the community, recommendations in the Township Plan come together around a series of key projects and places that together reflect a new character for Rye.

REALMstudios, along with project team consultants Capire Consulting Group (community engagement), worked with the Mornington Peninsula Shire and its various community and stakeholder groups across a series of presentations and idea workshops to establish the vision for the future of Rye.

This consolidated plan aims to provide for environmental enhancement, improved walkability, increased cycling safety and amenity, traffic calming and a range of connected public spaces to ensure stronger year round economic performance, increased safety, comfort and enjoyment within Rye.

In the development of the concept plan for the foreshore as part of the Stage 1 rollout of the Rye Township Plan, further consultation was undertaken in 2020.

Since community consultation in 2020, the landscape strategy and concept plan have been further improved to balance the vision of the foreshore along with feedback from the community.

You can view the updated plans within the key documents section on the webpage.

On 18 May 2021, Council endorsed the foreshore concept plan subject to the below amendments that were heard from the community.

  • Parking by the pier and beach to be retained through a close proximity carpark on the western side of the pier.
  • To maintain the historical axis from Napier Street. Consider including the historical rock wall within the promenade design or in the materials used within the development.
  • Universal design principles are included in the detailed design of the foreshore redevelopment. Consider all abilities play equipment and an accessible pathway connecting the Scout Hall carpark and playground.
  • The events and markets space has technology infrastructure installed to ensure it is as multifunctional as possible.
  • Preference is given to Indigenous vegetation due to its resilience and suitability to the foreshore environment
  • Enhance the promenade with vegetation and boardwalks to highlight the view line and to support the key principle of preserving the natural environment.

The above amendments will be made to the concept plan with detailed design to then be undertaken for the rest of the year, with construction aiming to begin mid-2022. During the detailed design and construction phase further consultation will be undertaken with key stakeholders.