A $1 million contract will be signed to upgrade the "forgotten and neglected back side of the main drag" in Drouin.
Two Baw Baw Shire councillors told the recent council meeting that beautification of Commercial Place wasn't what they considered a top priority project.
However, Cr Ben Lucas said it was an historic project leftover from the previous council and "this is a facelift in Drouin that will be an absolute welcome addition."
The decision to award the $1,059,472 contract to Accomplished Plumbing Services is expected to pave the way for works to begin this month.
The project, expected to conclude by mid-2026, will feature reconstruction of two pedestrian laneways, construction of two raised pedestrian crossings, installation of street lighting, sealing of a sealed laneway, renewal of footpaths, kerb and channel works, stormwater drainage, installation of street furniture, construction of a concrete seating wall and planter wall, and line marking.
It also will include a section of Commercial Pl returned to one-way traffic, between 87-91 Princes Way and 45-47 Princes Way. Direction of traffic will be east to west.
The section of Commercial Pl between Hope St and the supermarket carpark will remain two-way.
Council's capital works program has allocated $1.6 million for the overall Commercial Pl upgrade.
Cr Danny Goss said the project would be funded by $600,000 specifically set aside from the Development Contribution Plan (DCP) and the remainder from council funds.
An officer report stated council received six conforming tenders, with Accomplished Plumbing Services scoring the highest in tender panel evaluations.
The report said they "demonstrated the best value for money due to their previous experience with parks, open space, footpaths, roundabouts and speed hump projects."
The report said the contractor was a member of council's civil and ancillary works panel and referees indicated they had capability to "undertake the works to a high standard, with thoughtful consideration for any affected residents and stakeholders".
Letters have been sent to affected properties, the report stated.
"During construction, further community engagement will be undertaken to minimise the impact on regular trading and ensure all businesses are updated on the progress of the works," it said. "The minimisation of impacts to business in the lead up to the busier Christmas trading period will also be a focus."
The project budget had been endorsed over multiple financial years as part of council's capital works program, and $177,345 had already been spent on design and planning.
"The DCP allocation is $600,000, with project savings from the Drouin Recreation Reserve oval redevelopment project making up the remainder of the available budget," the report said.
Cr Lucas said he'd be keeping a close eye on the project "to make sure we're not going overboard."
"It will beautify it and improve safety and character of the forgotten and neglected back side of the main drag," Cr Lucas added.
Cr Jess Hamilton said "it might not have been my pick for spending $600,000" but Cr Tricia Jones would be happy with the outcome.
Cr Kate Wilson acknowledged beautification was required on Princes Way. However, with a rework of the arterial network pending, she believed investment now could ultimately prove a waste.
"This at least is long-term work that is needed," Cr Wilson said. "When the proper road network planning and infrastructure upgrades are done in Drouin, that would be the time to beautify the more obvious streetscape that we want to see."
Cr Goss said, according to the DCP, money had to be spent on Drouin streetscaping.