$60m to Transform Nepean Highway and Renew Frankston’s City Centre
Published on 03 December 2025
Frankston City Council has taken a major step toward the revitalisation of Nepean Highway, committing a $10 million Council co-investment towards the Federal Government’s $50 million election commitment - bringing the total investment in the project to $60 million.
This transformational initiative shifts Nepean Highway from a through-corridor into a safe, people-focused boulevard that strengthens the connections between the city centre, the waterfront and key destinations. It realises long-held aspiration shared by Council, local residents, traders and government partners.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said Council’s contribution reflects its confidence in the vision and its commitment to be an active partner in shaping the future of one of the city’s most important destinations.
“Council is putting $10 million on the table because we believe in the transformational potential of Nepean Highway. We want a genuine seat at the table and we want to help deliver a safer, greener and more welcoming corridor for our community,” Mayor Bolam said.
“This isn’t just about improving one intersection – it’s about improving safety for motorists, public transport, pedestrians and cyclists along the entire length of the highway through our bustling city centre. With $60 million, we can transform Nepean Highway into a green boulevard that encourages visitors to stop in Frankston, not just drive through it. By integrating urban forest canopy targets and spaces for activation, we’ll deliver shade, comfort and opportunities for public life to support a thriving economy/CBD”
Council created the Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation with significant community feedback throughout the vision development process, with a community and industry led advocacy campaign calling for investment in the project.
A petition during the 2025 federal election, led by the Frankston Business Chamber (FBC), received more than 1,000 signatures. FBC Chair David Friend said the message from the community was clear: the aspiration extends far beyond a single intersection upgrade.
“Nepean Highway is the face of Frankston – the first impression for visitors, investors and customers. A $60 million revitalisation is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and the business community is strongly behind it,” said David.
“Our members have been calling for a safer, more vibrant highway for years. This investment will help unlock more activity, more confidence and more economic growth.”
Council has already delivered a range of improvements to Nepean Highway led through the Frankston Suburban Revitalisation Board, including landscaping, new creative lighting upgrades and central precinct beautification enhancements. These works have recently been completed.
In preparation for the broader revitalisation, Council has already established highly experience multidisciplinary project team consisting of officers from urban design, project delivery to traffic engineering, ready to support the project from planning through to delivery, ensuring strong governance, collaboration and project excellence.
“Council’s contribution isn’t just financial – it’s leadership. We created the Nepean Boulevard vision, we’ve already delivered improvements along the corridor, and we are ready to deliver the full project. With $60 million on the table, our community rightly expects a project that reaches its full potential,” said Mayor Bolam.
“The Frankston City community is clear they want meaningful change, not a token upgrade. A $60 million investment must deliver safer streets, better connections and a revitalised corridor through our city centre,”
“With strong support from all levels of government, we have a real opportunity, and a responsibility, to deliver a flagship project that revitalises Frankston City’s most important gateway,”
In recent correspondence to Council, Minister Catherine King expressed confidence in the collaborative process now underway between the Australian and Victorian Governments and Council, noting that all parties are working constructively toward a scope that delivers the best possible outcome for the Frankston City community.
Council’s vision aligns strongly with this direction, and further emphasises that scope flexibility remains subject to negotiations with State and Federal partners.
State Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke MP acknowledged the joint work underway between all levels of government and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration as planning progresses.
“I welcome the continued collaboration between all levels of government as we work through the details of this important project. I will continue advocating for outcomes that improve safety, accessibility and liveability for the Frankston community,” Mr Edbrooke said.
Council’s Nepean Boulevard Master Plan identifies a series of road safety, pedestrian access and public realm improvements that could be delivered, subject to government agreement, including:
- Overton Road Intersection Upgrade: new signals, safer pedestrian crossings and shared path connectivity to the Kananook Creek Trail.
- Kananook Creek Gateway: safer cycling and walking paths, a viewing platform and an enhanced northern arrival experience.
- Central Boulevard Upgrades (Davey–Fletcher): prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and public transport through traffic calming, landscaping, underground power, widened footpaths and street trees.
- Ring Road Safety Improvements: targeted upgrades at Davey Street, Baxter Street, Young Street and Fletcher Road.
- Central Median Greening: extended planting for cooling, safety and stronger amenity.
- Comfort Station Activation: renewal of the heritage building into a community and hospitality anchor point.
- Southern and Waterfront Shared User Paths: improved walking and cycling links between Olivers Hill, the Bay Trail and Frankston Waterfront.
- Bay Lane Construction: improved vehicle flow, access and safety adjacent to Mechanics Hall.
These elements directly support the National Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, the National Land Transport Network, and the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement, Plan Victoria and FMAC Structure Plan, ensuring the corridor can safely accommodate the significant housing growth and private development interest emerging along Nepean Highway.
Council will work closely with State and Federal partners to finalise scope and governance arrangements. Council’s $10 million contribution is contingent on a precinct-wide scope that maximises community benefit and delivers value for taxpayers.
Council has a proven track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure program and projects on time and within budget, including the $22 million Kananook Commuter Car Park, the $36.6 million Jubilee Park Stadium Redevelopment and $60M Frankston Basketball and Gymnastic Stadium project (now under construction).
“This investment gives us the opportunity to improve safety for motorists, public transport, pedestrians and cyclists along the entire Nepean Highway corridor, something our community has been asking for,” Mayor Bolam said.
“When you consider the full length of the roadway through our vibrant city centre, the potential for a safer, greener and more welcoming experience is enormous.”
“I value the ongoing support of Paul Edbrooke MP and Jodie Belyea MP. This three-level-of-government approach is key to ensuring the final scope reaches its full potential.”
“Frankston City Council stands ready to deliver a project that makes every dollar count, prioritises safety and sustainability, and creates a Nepean Highway our community can be genuinely proud of.”
To learn more about Council’s Nepean Boulevard Precinct Revitalisation project, visit: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Advocacy-and-Partnerships/Frankston-City-First/Nepean-Boulevard-Precinct-Revitalisation