A city centre laneway and intersection will be upgraded to improve safety and accessibility, with De Grandi Lane to receive a significantly wider footpath and the Gilles and Timor streets roundabout to be renewed with safer pedestrian crossings.
NEWS ARTICLE: Safety improvements coming to Gilles-Timor roundabout and De Grandi Lane (February 3, 2026)
NEWS ARTICLE: Timor Street eastbound and Degrandi Lane re-open (April 7, 2026)
NEWS ARTICLE: Timor-Gilles intersection fully re-opens (April 24, 2026)
What upgrade works are happening?
Works will deliver an upgraded roundabout at the intersection of Timor St and Gilles St, featuring pedestrian priority crossings, renewed road pavement, footpaths, kerb and drainage improvements.
In addition to the roundabout upgrade, De Grandi Lane will also feature in these works, with a shared path created, along with a renewed road surface and kerb construction. The renewed laneway will be modified to a constant entry only, with carpark exits maintained on Kepler Street.
The section of footpath along Timor St will be renewed to be safe for pedestrians, however it may not look similar to the remaining footpath right away. Ausnet will be conducting gas renewal works within the CBD in 2026, so the entire footpath between Liebig St and Kepler St will be upgraded once Ausnet works are complete.
Overhead visual of Ozone Carpark and Timor-Gilles safety improvements
Why is the upgrade needed? What are the benefits?
The upgrade works establish the final piece of the seven roundabouts that make up the key CBD grid. With the inclusion of pedestrian priority as part of the upgrade, the works aim to eliminate confusion around right of way, along with the removal of the pedestrian blind spot present on the De Grandi’s corner due to the footpath and building locations.
The new footpath within De Grandi Lane will create an efficient pedestrian space, particularly for those requiring additional width including prams, wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc.
Why is De Grandi Lane not staying two-way?
Property boundaries, in the form of buildings with heritage overlays either side of the laneway, creating an approximate 7m corridor. This removes the ability to delivery both a compliant footpath and compliant two-way vehicle access.
With a residential property access mid-way through the laneway, the removal of the current concrete pathway for compliant two-way access retention is not achievable.
When will works take place?
Works are expected to commence from Saturday 21 February, starting with works within De Grandi Lane. When works take place within the laneway, the roundabout will be uninterrupted, however vehicle access to the carpark will be restricted to the Kepler Street entrance and exits.
Works will be contained within De Grandi Lane for approximately two weeks, before moving onto the roundabout construction for approximately a further six weeks.
During roundabout works, we anticipate that the new De Grandi Lane footpath will be open in its entirety, however vehicle access will remain restricted due to the proximity to active construction. Works are expected to be finalised in April.
What will be the impacts on road traffic and parking?
There will be no vehicle access to and from De Grandi Lane for the entire construction period (approx. six weeks).
It is anticipated that the roundabout will be closed during March, for the four-week period leading into the Easter break. Exact dates will depend on the progress of De Grandi Lane works.
As result vehicle detours will be in place, with message boards and signage in place to guide all traffic. Minimal loss of parking along Timor Street is expected. Vehicle turn-arounds will be placed at the edge of roundabout works, allowing for safe traffic flow and parking.
What will be the impacts on pedestrians and how will these be managed?
Our intention is to maintain pedestrian access to all properties where possible, however there will be instances where minor detours are in place to ensure pedestrian safety.
For the first two weeks of work, pedestrian access will be available via the laneways parallel to De Grandi Lane, with signage present onsite to assist.
On commencement of the roundabout works, pedestrian crossings at the roundabout are likely to be slightly offset from their current location to enable works to be undertaken.
How will impacts on local businesses be managed?
Whilst there is never an ideal time for these works, we anticipate that pedestrian access to all businesses will be maintained during business hours.
Will any street trees be affected?
At this point in time no trees are to be affected by the delivery of the project. If a tree needs to be removed for safety reasons identified during works, it will be replaced.
Will works impact on my visit to Lighthouse Theatre?
Access to Lighthouse Theatre will be available at all times throughout the project.
Who will be completing the works?
Works will be undertaken by Warrnambool City Council, utilising a range of local contractors and suppliers for the works.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
For any questions about the project please contact Warrnambool City Council Project Manager, Shaun Lucas, on 0448 020 479 or email via PMO@warrnambool.vic.gov.au