Bridge Mall traders welcome redevelopment

Bridge Mall traders have welcomed the final plans for the Bridge Street redevelopment. 

The $15 million revamp, fully-funded by the City of Ballarat, will redevelop the historic precinct into a tree-lined, landscaped destination – an extension of the magnificent Sturt Street gardens – for shoppers, diners, residents and visitors. 

A pedestrian mall since 1981, the Bridge Mall Business Association is looking forward to the City of Ballarat’s significant redevelopment that will revitalise the iconic precinct.  

Bridge Mall Business Association President Wendy McLachlan, owner of Wen & Ware Living, said the new Bridge Street will be “something to be very proud of for Ballarat”. 

“Historically, it’s been the retail hub of Ballarat and the new road is going to revitalise the area with access and provide visibility for the shops that don't have rear access,” she said. 

“It’s going to give retail shops wonderful exposure to the community of Ballarat.” 

Association Vice President Shane Donnithorne, owner of Denim Culture and Linen & Living, said traders and property owners are looking forward to the tree planting and landscaping that will beautify the area. 

Mr Donnithorne said the shared streetscape will enable movement through the area, including pick-ups and drop-offs, and create a better connection with the CBD. 

“The redevelopment will link this precinct into Sturt Street and the top end of town,” he said. 

“It’s going to be a good community space combined with retail and it will be great for tourism. 

“We want people living in the second-storey spaces in the buildings here, commercial offices that aren’t all retail focused – this will bring more people into the area and create the movement that we need.” 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said the final designs are the result of a three-stage extensive community consultation process, hearing feedback from across the community across a two-year period. 

“The designs address the concerns of the community and traders around the need for change, a stronger historical presence, and to encourage movement to, through and within the Bakery Hill precinct,” he said. 

“These designs are the catalyst for returning Bridge Street to the vibrant destination it once was, attracting shoppers, diners, residents and visitors. 

“We look forward to getting on with the works in 2023.”  

Major civil works will begin in 2023. The entire construction process is expected to take 12 to 18 months.  

The City of Ballarat will continue to work closely with the Bridge Mall Business Association to ensure traders are supported throughout the redevelopment. 

The City of Ballarat’s $15 million budget covers upgrades to the mall between Grenville and Peel Streets, Grenville Street between Curtis and Little Bridge Street, with minor access and safety improvements to pockets of Little Bridge Street. 

View the designs and latest updates at ballarat.vic.gov.au/bridge-mall. 

Key design features  

• A landscaped entry from Sturt Street into Bridge Street 

• A shared streetscape with one-way low-speed vehicle access 

• Smart street lighting and projections 

• A new play space inspired by a bridge-like structure 

• Limited parking and better access for people of all abilities 

• New street furniture and bluestone paving 

• Cultural elements reflected into the designs, including a portal to the Yarrowee River flowing beneath the street 

• Event friendly spaces for markets, festivities and special events 

• Outdoor dining opportunities for restaurants and cafes