Designs for an upgrade of the 4km shared path along Marine Parade in Cottesloe are not far away, with the release of a $400,000 tender for the project.
Western Australia’s Town of Cottesloe council secured $4.175 million earlier this year via the federal government's Active Transport Fund to widen and upgrade the path between Curtin Avenue and North Street.
No information is yet available on the path's proposed width, but this week's council meeting was told it would be a community path for all ages and abilities.
For the most part, the path, which was originally built in 1986, is likely to follow the existing route to preserve green space.
Possible changes would be considered to improve sightlines, such as the section that loops behind the Cottesloe Surf Club building at Mudurup Rocks.
A change is also likely for the section between John and Napier streets, where the path passes on the ocean side of the No. 1 carpark. Three options are under consideration: to keep the path where it is, move it to the carpark's eastern edge or reroute it along Marine Parade, where it would either take away some parking bays or run along the edge of the road.
Community feedback will be sought once a concept plan is finalised.
The proposed upgrade is intended to improve the path's safety and accessibility and enhance connectivity across the beachfront area.
"An upgraded shared path on Marine Parade will provide a safe route along the length of the Cottesloe foreshore and access to the beach and the businesses on Marine Parade," said Town of Cottesloe Mayor Lorraine Young.
"The path will also provide a great connection to the Eric Street Shared Path and the shared path on Forrest Street, tying in access to the Principal Shared Path along the railway line, Cottesloe town centre, North Cottesloe Primary School and other local businesses and destinations along the way."
Marine Parade's shared path has been consistently identified by the local community and council as a high priority route in the cycle network. It is designated as a primary route in both the Town of Cottesloe and Department of Transport's long-term cycle network: high-demand corridors that connect major destinations.
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