Bridge Mall concept designs will go before Ballarat City Council on Wednesday 24 November.
If endorsed, the concept designs will be used to complete detailed final designs, cost planning and capital work tendering, with final concepts due to be completed early next year.
The concept designs are the result of extensive consultation with the community, traders, landowners and other special interest groups.
The co-creation phase with the community revealed people wanted to keep the centralised ‘town square’ feel, while also being a place to meet with others, get things done, access services and attend special events and activities.
Critical elements to be reflected in the designs include:
- Must embed Wadawurrung connection to country, tell the story of the Yarrowee (Yaramlok) River and refer to the land prior to white settlement
- Must reflect the city’s relationship to waterways and natural environment
- Must include a strong element of play and discovery so young people and families can linger
- Be accessible for all, including people who currently use and love the Bridge Mall
- Be a vibrant trade destination
Key design features will include:
- Extending the Sturt Street gardens along Grenville Street to connect the city with the Yarrowee River and Canadian Creek trails and provide new places to sit, meet and enjoy.
- Successfully bringing together retail and trading alongside shared community and event spaces.
- Bridge Street to be reserved mainly for pedestrians with some shared paths for cyclists and with safe car access, plus plenty of adaptable places to sit, eat, meet and enjoy.
- A new 30-metre-long play space on the Bridge Mall’s southern side to maximise sunlight and provide a family focal point. Detailed design still to come.
- New tree planting and landscaping in Little Bridge Street with redevelopment of the bus stop.
- Introducing an arbour styled covering and new shelters in Coliseum Walk to encourage outdoor dining and trading.
- Inspiration for a detailed materials palette to come from Wadawurrung and Yarrowee River shapes, connections and ideas.
- Precinct lighting will include functional, façade, feature and event focused lighting that will highlight Ballarat’s architectural history and heritage.
City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer, Evan King said the concept designs – if endorsed at Wednesday’s Council Meeting – would provide a solid basis for the final Bridge Mall/Street designs to be created.
“The Bridge Mall/Street revitalisation has been in the pipeline for quite a while but it is vital we get these concepts right and really listen to what the community wants for this important retail and CBD centre,” Mr King said.
“Between extensive community co-creation and by working closely with our design firm Hassell, we believe we will be able to create a Bridge Mall/Street that will restore this precinct to a thriving and vibrant ‘town square’ where people of all ages will want to linger longer.”
