Construction works to transform Grenville Street into a landscaped entry into the Bridge Mall will begin this week.
Contractor 2Construct will begin setting up temporary fencing and traffic management with Grenville Street, from Curtis Street to Little Bridge Street, set to be closed to south bound traffic from Wednesday 2 August.
The redevelopment will significantly improve the pedestrian connection between the Bridge Mall and Sturt Street, making it easier, safer and more convenient to walk into the new space.
The south bound lanes of Grenville Street will be transformed into gardens, bike path, walkways and informal areas for play and seating.
At the bottom of Sturt Street, east bound vehicles will continue to be able to turn left onto Grenville Street and east towards Bakery Hill via Curtis Street.
Vehicles will no longer be able to turn right from Sturt Street into Grenville Street. A wide range of alternative routes remain available.
During the works, pedestrians will be able to cross from the north side of Sturt Street into Curtis Street and from the south side of Sturt Street into the mall.
Shoppers will be able to access businesses and nearby car parking throughout the construction period by using designated walkways and access points.
The Grenville Street section is the second major section of the Bridge Mall redevelopment. This stage will be undertaken concurrently with stage one, the Bridge Mall section of works.
The Grenville Street section will also be the new home of the historical named pavers. The pavers, located near the playground, will be moved to greet people at the entrance to the Bridge Mall, where the Sturt Street gardens are extended into Grenville Street.
Fully-funded by the City of Ballarat, the $18.6 million Bridge Mall redevelopment features a shared streetscape with one-way, low speed vehicle access and a dynamic new play space.
The redevelopment also includes a portal to the Yarrowee River flowing beneath the mall, smart street lighting and projections, limited parking and better access for people of all abilities.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Grenville Street section of works is a key piece of the redevelopment.
"The Grenville Street works will extend the Sturt Street gardens into Grenville Street, creating a magnificent lush, landscaped entry into the mall," he said.
"Once completed, the works will also improve traffic flow through the Grenville Street and Sturt Street intersection."
The staged work is designed to reduce disruption to shoppers and traders, as much as possible.
Works on the Bridge Mall section of works at the Peel Street end of the mall are well underway. After the removal of the main canopy, street furniture and pavers, excavation works are now progressing.
The community is encouraged to keep up-to-date with the latest works at ballarat.vic.gov.au/bridge-mall and connect with Bridge Mall businesses via shopthebridge.com.au
The Bridge Mall redevelopment demonstrates that we are committed to delivering a better Ballarat.
