Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment a step closer to construction

The redevelopment of the Twelve Apostles Precinct in Victoria is progressing as local community engagement commences on the coastal and main works for the $108.15 million project. 

The community is encouraged to have their say through an online survey and/or attend information sessions to be held starting this month, running for the next six months. 

“This project will create a lasting legacy as an international, cultural and environmentally conscious tourism drawcard for the region and Australia for decades to come,” VIC Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing said. 

In addition, a partnership has been announced with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) as the formally recognised Traditional Owner groups of the area. This partnership will the redevelopment project to be co-designed and delivered with EMAC. 

This partnership also recognises Eastern Maar’s ongoing connection and intrinsic relationship with Country, in line with the Eastern Maar Country Plan as well as ensure the Eastern Maar culture remains at the forefront of the Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment. 

The Federal Government supports the engagement with EMAC to support the delivery of the multi-million-dollar redevelopment as well as other projects in the region. 

“We are excited to join in a participatory design process to share in a new vision for the Twelve Apostles precinct that equally projects our shared stories and histories connected to this iconic place and the broader Great Ocean Road. 

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to position the new Twelve Apostles precinct into an even more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike; a destination that balances, safeguards and amplifies our natural and cultural assets alongside increasing visitor numbers,” EMAC Chief Executive Officer Marcus Clarke said. 

Artist impression of the visitor centre (source: Regional Development Victoria)

The redevelopment is being delivered as part of the $500 million Geelong City Deal, which is a collaborative plan by the Australian and Victorian Governments along with the City of Greater Geelong to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. 

Grimshaw Architects is undertaking the design of this world-class redevelopment, in partnership with EMAC and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. 

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment will deliver infrastructure projects in the Shipwreck Coast region, carried out in two phases – coastal and main works. 

The multi-million-dollar investment includes the $23.4 million Private Sector Business Enablement Fund (PSBEF) that helps fund underlying infrastructure to support private sector investment in the region. 

The proposed coastal works – which will improve or deliver new coastal attractions – will include: 

• Revegetation and safety improvements to the Loch Ard Gorge carpark 
• Safety upgrades at Gibson Steps 
• Upgraded visitor lookouts at Twelve Apostles and Gibson Steps, including an all-weather amphitheater at the Twelve Apostles lookout 
• Potential for new lookouts between the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge 
• A new transit pod at Loch Ard Gorge and other precinct-wide connectivity improvements are proposed to support sustainability transport 

The proposed main works, on the other hand, will include: 

• A new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre 
• A park and ride facility 
• A temporary event space 
• Substantial revegetation, landscaping, gardens and walking trails 
• New access roads 
• Better parking at the Secret Apostles Lookout 
• A visitor shuttle shelter, eBike parking and toilets 

“The Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge attracts up to 2.8 million visitors per year. 

“This redevelopment aims to attract more domestic and international visitors and encourage visitors to stay longer,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024, with the new Visitor Experience Centre to open in late 2025. 

The Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment is the next stage of works to be delivered under the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan – a plan that was developed over three years with extensive community consultation. 

The overall Shipwreck Coast Master Plan is expected to create more than 3,500 jobs for Victorians.

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Engage Victoria; Regional Development Victoria (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine