Imagine the Nepean Boulevard: From a gateway to a destination

Published on 18 May 2023

The plan will be based on a bold vision to transform the car-dominated arterial road into an iconic-treelined boulevard. The vision responds to Frankston’s distinctive coastal character which sets it apart from other cities, and will guide the prioritisation and development of three sections of Nepean Boulevard covering 3.7kms from Mile Bridge through the city centre to Olivers Hill.

The vision places the city centre section of the Nepean Highway at the heart of Frankston’s economic rejuvenation by rebalancing the road environment to create a new pedestrian-friendly destination and bustling hub of activity and recreation.

Extended outdoor space for retail and pedestrians, outdoor dining and new public spaces will draw new events, markets and festivals making the Nepean Highway a focal point for the City’s revitalisation.

At the southern end, the vision outlines the transformation of Olivers Hill into a world class major visitor destination celebrating the expansive views of the bay.

To the north the boulevard will deliver improved connections from the city centre to Kananook Creek and the bay, with a viewing platform and improved links to the bike trail.

The vision has received positive community support as part of the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Structure Plan community engagement program, and will support Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy through improved road safety and transport choices.

The Master Plan will be based on rigorous analysis, a connection to country and community and will provide a strong foundation and direction for the future development of the FMAC.

The master planning process will commence later this year, and provide extensive opportunity for further community consultation.

For more information, please visit engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/nepean-highway boulevard-corridor

Check out an exciting visualisation of the Nepean Highway.

Frankston City’s vision for the future

Frankston City’s population is set to grow by 17,600 people by 2041, and the State government has identified the City as a Metropolitan Activity Centre.

As such, the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) Structure Plan will play a major role in helping to cater to Melbourne’s population boom and will grow and prosper.

The feedback and submissions received during the consultations have informed the preparation of the final draft Structure Plan and the Planning Scheme Amendment, which is anticipated to go before Council shortly. Here’s a sneak glimpse at the future of our City.

Precinct 1 – Frankston City Centre

The heart of our City will blossom into a vibrant place for business, shopping, living, dining and entertainment.

A new public plaza in the heart of the City Centre would be explored, whereas upgrades would include additional street planting, pedestrian scale lighting, high-quality surfaces.

Precinct 2 – Transport Interchange, Community and Education

An active transport and mixed use hub would bring people to the heart of Frankston City via metropolitan and regional rail and bus routes. The creation of new open spaces and more pedestrian and cycle connections would be introduced in key locations.

Upgrades proposed include amenity improvements to Fletcher Road, a City Park extension, an extension of the Baxter Trail, an improved rail underpass, enhanced Beach Street Rail crossing.

Precinct 3 – Arts, Entertainment, Housing and Government Services

Connecting the Arts Centre and the foreshore, Frankston’s Arts Centre and Library will be brought to life as the premier arts and entertainment destination of the south east region and an iconic part of Frankston City’s identity. With on-road bicycle lanes in each direction, a reconfiguration of parking and additional pedestrian crossings  and plants, the area will be a great place to live and work.

Precinct 4 - Waterfront

The Waterfront will be a hub of activity and recreation with the foreshore and Kananook Creek as the jewel in the crown. The Nepean Highway will be revitalised with cafes, restaurants, entertainment and tourism, while canopy tree planting along a wide promenade will better connect pedestrians with the creek.

The area will be lively with regular events and markets.

Precinct 5 – Nepean Boulevard Gateway

Imagine the Nepean Highway as an iconic boulevard with increased pedestrian footpath space, bike lanes, iconic tree planting, lighting, integrated art opportunities and signage.

Improved pedestrian crossings will enable safe and convenient crossings, while large canopy trees will provide a green outlook and create safer and higher amenity spaces for people.

The Kananook Creek and foreshore are key open space assets to be made more accessible to people living, working or visiting.

Precinct 6 – Cranbourne Road Gateway

The Cranbourne Road Gateway will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct with a range of medical, office, commercial and residential uses.

Businesses will benefit from convenient access to Moorooduc Highway, Monash University, the Frankston Hospital and the FMAC. The improvements to Fletcher Road would create a green edge to the FMAC.

For more information, please visit the Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre Structure Plan page.

An opportunity for small business

Frankston City is home to over 43,000 small and medium sized businesses. Our long-term vision for Frankston Metropolitan Activity Centre (FMAC) has a number of significant benefits to small businesses.

• Foot traffic: With FMAC re-imagined as a major bustling commercial hub, small businesses will benefit from increased foot traffic, brand recognition and trade.
• Competitor advantage: Being a small fish in an even bigger pond will provide game-changing access to a larger market and wider range of customers.
• Infrastructure support: FMAC’s well-developed infrastructure including transport links, utilities and other resources and services will help small businesses attract staff, operate more efficiently and reduce their costs.
• Networking opportunities: The buzz surrounding growth and development will inevitably attract both successfully established brands and bold new innovator brands looking for new opportunities. This will create an inspiring climate of competitive entrepreneurialism as well as networking opportunities to motivate, collaborate and inspire.