Rejuvenation of the Bridge Mall as part of the greater Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Project has moved a step closer, with Expressions of Interest sought from design companies.
Council has invited urban design, landscape and architect companies to put their creative hats on to determine the future look and feel of a re-designed Bridge Mall that will take the shopping precinct into a new era of improved retail and community experiences.
Three design companies will be shortlisted to produce early conception plans that will go through a consultation process before a recommendation for the preferred company is made to Council early next year.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Ben Taylor said the EOI was an important step in refurbishing one of Ballarat’s iconic shopping strips and reinstating its economic vibrancy.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Bridge Mall traders, and I am looking forward to seeing how the design companies will approach balancing the history and heart of the Bridge Mall with the urban expansion planned for the surrounding Bakery Hill precinct.
Part of the brief is for the establishment of green and community spaces, provision for more eating and dining areas; a design sympathetic to Ballarat’s heritage buildings and one that allows vehicle and pedestrian movement along the iconic Bridge Mall route.