Next step for Bridge Mall upgrade

THE City of Ballarat’s Bridge Mall Revitalisation Project has progressed, moving into a design development phase.

As part of the new stage of works, architecture firm Hassell will collaborate with community representatives to get their input for final designs.

Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said functional elements of the precinct’s design are complete and include “slow-moving, one-way traffic”.

“However, we need our community to contribute to how this much-loved area should look, feel and operate,” he said.

Sessions between community representatives and architects will be conducted during the design development phase with the aim of what’s being described as a comfortable, inviting, and vibrant look and feel for the area.

“Bridge Mall belongs to everyone. We want people back using and enjoying the spaces, exploring the laneways, and spending time,” Cr Moloney said.

“We want people shopping and eating there. We want green recreation spaces, and activity both day and night.

“But to do this properly we need the visionary voices of our community directly helping to shape the future of the design.”

The upgrades form part of the municipality’s $15 million Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan adopted by council in late 2019.

In Bridge Mall, the plan seeks to restore the precinct to an active city space following retail decline, poor transport connections, physical access difficulties and changing shopping trends, according to the City.