The new look Hitchcock Avenue was a fitting tribute to Barwon Heads' position as the epicentre of the sea change phenomenon, said Buckley ward Councillor Peter McMullin.

"As most people would be aware the landmark ABC TV series SeaChange was filmed at Barwon Heads and the beautiful setting triggered a nationwide yearning for the simple coastal lifestyle," Cr McMullin said.

"However the old layout of Hitchcock Avenue was not equipped to cater to the extra custom nor was the ideal environment for pedestrians.

"The Barwon Heads Streetscape Project was devised to create a signature look for the main trading precinct and encourage people to walk, browse and dine in the avenue," Cr McMullin said.

The works included new street lights and seating; wider footpaths with new paving and deciduous native street trees.

The relocation of powerlines, improved drainage, a new road surface and the refurbishment of the public toilets were also undertaken as part of the project.

The project was jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong and the Victorian Government, with additional funding coming from the Federal Government's Roads to Recovery program

Hitchcock Avenue streetscape works (City of Greater Geelong) $755,600
Main drainage works (City of Greater Geelong)   $435,000
Powerline relocation (State Government)    $294,000
Dept of Regional Development Victoria (State Government) $250,000
Roads to Recovery (Federal Government)    $200,000
Public toilets refurbishment (City of Greater Geelong)   $150,000

Cr McMullin said the project had met with widespread approval within the Barwon Heads approval.

"The Barwon Heads Streetscape Project has been characterised by a well thought out design complemented by a thorough community engagement process," he said.