Open Mall a few votes away

AT this month’s City of Ballarat ordinary council meeting, councilors may vote to endorse a redeveloped Bridge Mall open to cars.

City CEO Evan King announced the $15 million proposed works, essentially “to extend Sturt Street,” this week ahead of a decision on 24 March.

“The plan is to open up the Bridge Mall to traffic. The officer’s recommendation will be a west-east traffic flow… we’ll have parking down the sides, keep the playground, and pavers with people’s names on them in a respectful manner,” he said.

“It’s not meant to be a large thoroughfare… but after 5.30pm when the businesses close, there’s not a lot of activity down here, so we want to reactivate it as a really important part of Ballarat, and Sturt Street.

“We want to support the businesses… and make sure Ballarat people are using the Bridge Mall.”

In 2019, the City approved the Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan worth $30 million. Its priority project was refreshing the Mall.

In 2020, design firm Hassell was appointed to consult with the community and map-out an improved precinct, including Little Bridge and Curtis streets.

“There’s been a lot of work with the Bridge Mall traders, Commerce Ballarat, Committee for Ballarat and wider community on what is the best way to activate the Bridge Mall,” Mr King said.

Tunbridges Interiors’ Alastair Doull is president of the Traders Association, which supports the traffic plans.

“It’s a great thing for the area, which a vibrant one, and has historically been a big player in Ballarat’s future from the goldfield days,” he said.

“The rejuvenation is for the betterment of all our neighbours; small and large family businesses, nationals and multi-nationals, and will take it to the next level, getting it back to pride of place.”

Mr King said the City wants a “thriving, active, healthy, safe place” for residents.

“We’ve got great parking on either side… and if we can get it opened up, people flowing through and dining on the sides of the street, it can become a jewel in the Ballarat crown.

“People have a whole lot of views… but everyone I speak to wants it activated, and wants council to make it happen,” he said.

If endorsed, further designs will be drawn to consider green spaces and events like the farmers market, before the City begins the tender process for a contractor in June.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2022.