Have your say on new mall rules

PUBLIC feedback is being sought by the City of Ballarat on the future of development within the Bridge Mall.

A statement from the municipality said the new rules aim to retain heritage aspects of the area while also making the space more engaging with an appropriate amount of urban development and that the proposed changes are consistent with previous community feedback on the area.

“This consultation will help us to understand the current conditions within the Bakery Hill area and make recommendations for changes to the planning scheme to facilitate urban renewal opportunities within our city,” said mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“The renewal of Bridge Mall Precinct can underpin the creation of a thriving, connected and distinctive place for locals and visitors alike.”

Currently development in Ballarat is controlled by a design development overlay, however, this does not match the Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan which encourages an increase of housing close to public transport and shopping precincts.

As a result, the new framework has been created to facilitate development within the Bridge Mall and Bakery Hill areas as a first step in updating building guidelines in Ballarat’s wider CBD.

Heritage consultants were engaged to help create the new framework and return historical aspects in Bakery Hill and the Bridge Mall.

Consultation on the plan comes after a contractor was announced for the multi-million-dollar redevelopment of Bakery Hill at the last council meeting.

Community drop-in sessions are being held throughout May and June to allow residents to give feedback and ask questions in-person.

Following that amendments will be presented to council with stage two of the project set to commence in August.