Council will consider a new Bendigo City Centre Action Plan 2026-2029 at its May 18 meeting, outlining measures to strengthen the city centre as a more active, welcoming and investment-ready destination.
The three-year plan draws on a Retail and Hospitality Gap Analysis, economic modelling and an Investment Attraction Plan developed by local company REMPLAN. It looked at current business offerings, customer demand, a changing population and how Bendigo compares to other regional centres. While initially developed for Hargreaves Mall, the findings apply across the broader city centre.
The plan will replace the Hargreaves Mall Action Plan 2023-2026. It will guide delivery of the Investment Attraction Plan, based on five priority areas in the city centre. In collaboration with key stakeholders, including landlords and agents, it looks to:
- Secure anchor tenants and high impact projects
- Activate vacant and underutilised spaces
- Support business diversity and night-time economy
- Improve access and parking experience
- Enhance the public realm and encourage events
The new plan outlines a set of actions to attract national retailers, high quality food and drink businesses, and experience based operators. It proposes the potential for shared tenancies, shopfront improvements, short term lease subsidies and more pilot programs.
It includes an action to reopen the Hargreaves Street Mall to one-way, low-speed vehicle access within the next six months, with traffic entering from the Mitchell Street end.
Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the plan recognised the challenges currently facing the city centre and outlined positive steps to support revitalisation.
"With the city centre accounting for around a quarter of all local jobs and $3.3B in annual output, this is an opportunity to strengthen the city centre's reputation as a vibrant, mixed-use destination that serves as the region's primary hub for shopping, employment, culture and tourism," Mr Cooney said.
"All precincts play an important role in creating a thriving and revitalised city centre to boost growth and respond to the changing needs of people living, working and visiting the area.
"While the City does not control private properties, staff continue to engage with landlords and agents. Well-placed anchor tenants, particularly recognised retail or hospitality brands, could significantly shift perceptions, draw more people to the city centre and encourage other businesses to locate nearby to support a day and night economy.
"The recommendation to open the Mall to one way vehicle access is not a single solution, but part of a broader approach to restore confidence, attract investment, support local businesses and encourage long term growth in the city centre."
While Bendigo Art Gallery is under redevelopment, the City is delighted to announce Bendigo Town Hall will become the host venue for Bendigo Art Gallery's next off-site exhibitions in 2026 and 2027.
Additional artist-led events and large scale new public artworks are also planned for the View Street precinct. More details on future events and activations will be announced in the coming months.
Council will consider the draft Bendigo City Centre Action Plan 2026-2029 at its meeting on May 18.
