Council Endorses Preferred Bridge Mall Precinct Plan

Ballarat City Councillors have endorsed a preferred Precinct Plan to revitalise the Ballart Bridge Mall supporting the re-introduction of one-way, east-bound, slow moving traffic to the Mall.

Council considered two plans presented by the Design Consultants (incorporating eastbound and westbound moving traffic) and voted in favour of the Officers’ recommendation that the preferred Eastbound option for traffic movement be endorsed.

This preference was based on prioritising access for local residents who spend $3 of every $4 in the Bridge Mall Precinct and the ability to include more greenspace and flexibility.

The decision by Council follows lengthy consultations with community, the Bridge Mall Business Association and traders.

Council also endorsed the recommended project schedule to allow a detailed design plan to be progressed for the Bridge Mall and construction to begin by March/April 2022.

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney acknowledged the many differing views and said not everyone would agree with the decision. Councillors  considered  the professional recommendation from the designers, for east-bound single lane traffic movement and the financial impacts of deferring a decison.

“We have been debating this issue for a long time, and at this point we have to acknowledge the evidence put before us to guide this decision, and generate a stimulus to revitalise the Bridge Mall,” he said.

Read Council report here

History:

• The Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan was adopted by Council in October 2019 with a commitment of $15 million dollars over three financial years to fund the key element of the Bakery Hill Renewal Plan - the Bridge Mall Rejuvenation Project.
• The long and thorough consultation process surrounding the Bakery Hill Project consulted community, traders and business and commerce leaders and addressed several issues including introducing traffic into the Bridge Mall
• International design practice Hassell was appointed in April 2020 to lead the next stage of this project - the renewal of the Bridge Mall.
• On 24 March 2021 Council endorsed a preferred design plan for the Ballarat Bridge Mall which re-introduces one lane east bound traffic entering from Sturt Street.