Mornington Peninsula Shire advances options for Morce Avenue car park expansion
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has opened a public consultation process on four concept plans to expand the car-park at Morce Avenue, Sorrento, citing high visitation and parking overflow into nearby residential streets as key drivers.
Four options presented
The four concept options released by the Shire are described as follows:
- Option 1: Approximately 30 new bays, involving removal of some garden beds.
- Option 2: Approximately 58 new bays, removal of garden beds and several trees, with three new access points.
- Option 3: Approximately 72 new bays, removal of garden beds and trees, three new access points and a new retaining wall.
- Option 4: Up to 108 new bays, realignment of Morce Avenue, excavation, new retaining wall, further vegetation removal and three new access points.
The Shire says a multi-storey car park was considered but deemed too costly, hence the focus on at-grade expansion.
Community feedback and quote
Local residents and businesses had the opportunity to provide input between 20 February and 20 March 2025 via the Shire website, pop-up sessions and hard copy forms.
The Shire’s Mayor, Anthony Marsh, is quoted in the Shire media-release as saying:
“Parking surveys and analysis have determined the need for additional parking to match the very high demand for parking in Sorrento during summer. As it is now, overflow parking extends into neighbouring residential streets and lack of available parking contributes to significant traffic congestion caused by circulating traffic.”
Key issues raised by the community
Feedback emphasised a mix of priorities:
- The need to improve parking capacity and turnover, especially during peak holiday seasons.
- Concern about loss of vegetation and the impact on streetscape and character under the more extensive options (Options 3–4).
- Calls for a balance between short-stay visitor parking and longer-stay bays for local businesses and employees.
- Desire to reduce the pressure on adjoining residential streets due to overflow parking.
Next steps
After the consultation period closes the Shire will review submissions and select a preferred concept for detailed design and cost estimation. Traffic and vegetation impact assessments will follow, along with budget allocation in upcoming financial cycles. The Shire has not yet set a construction start date.
Significance
Sorrento is a high-traffic destination within the Mornington Peninsula, especially in the summer months. Pressure on parking affects both visitor experience and local residential amenity. The Shire’s engagement process demonstrates an effort to include community perspectives in infrastructure planning rather than proceeding solely with a predetermined solution.
Further information
More details, concept plans and information on how to share your feedback are available via the Shire’s consultation page: Community feedback needed: expanding Morce Avenue car-park, Sorrento.
