Residents and visitors to Bayside’s Hampton Beach precinct were treated to a spectacular show in October 1997 when they witnessed a sand dredging operation restoring the eroded beach to its former splendour.
Over the years, the beach had gradually washed away. Under a comprehensive masterplan for the area, a total revamp is planned including recreating the beach.
A partnership between Council, the community and the State Government, which contributed $3.3 million to the project, saw 156,000 cubic metres of sand reclaimed from the sea. This has resulted in a new 50 metre wide stretch of sand over a length of 800 metres.
As the area had been neglected for some time, it was a ‘blank canvas’ for Council planners. Included in the Masterplan are plantings of Norfolk Island pine trees, enhancement of wetlands, plantings for shade, a bicycle trail along the foreshore and relocation of the Life Saving Club building.
The family of famous local sculptor, Henry Wilkinson, has kindly offered to donate his sculpture ‘The Swimmer’ to be placed at the beach. Council will undertake the installation and casting of the work.
During the recent opening ceremony of the beach by Premier Jeff Kennett, Mayor Graeme Disney noted that the renourished beach is a reflection of Council’s commitment to continually improving foreshore amenity for residents of Bayside and the beachgoing population of Melbourne in general.
