Hargreaves Street Mall is now open as a shared space for pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and e-scooters.
It has been designated as a one-way shared space with a 10 km/h speed limit, with entry to the Mall from Mitchell Street and exiting onto Williamson Street.
Road users entering the Mall from Mitchell Street (travelling south towards Bendigo train station) can only turn left into the shared space. Right turns into the Mall from Mitchell Street (heading north towards Alexandra Fountain) are not permitted.
Road users can also travel straight along Hargreaves Street and into the Mall when approaching from the Mitchell Street end.
In a shared space, pedestrians always have the right of way and can cross the road at any point from either side of the Mall.
To support the transition to a shared space, an existing gently sloped edge connects the road surfaces from Mitchell Street into the Mall. Bollards and concrete planter boxes have been arranged in a staggered layout to create a subtle winding path that encourages slow vehicle movement.
Cyclists will be able to travel in the opposite direction to motorists when entering the Mall from the Williamson Street end. This traffic treatment is based on sound research and is consistent with other low-speed, shared space examples around Australia.
E-scooters are classed as a motor vehicle. E-scooter riders can only travel one-way through the Mall like all other motorists and must not exceed the 10km/h speed limit.
The Mall includes 11 standard parking bays with two-hour timed paid parking (free at weekends but time limits still apply), one accessible paid parking bay, one ten-minute bay and one loading bay.
The FunLoong play space has been repainted and fenced, and the stage and street furniture have been spread throughout the Mall.
The popular Moonlight Market will continue to be held in the Mall, with the area closed to traffic during these events. The aim is to keep the Mall open to vehicles as much as possible, only closing it to traffic for key events. Other events will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be supported in the Mall or at another city centre location.
Mayor Cr Thomas Prince said opening the shared space is one of 26 actions in the City Centre Action Plan 2026-2029 aimed at strengthening the city centre, supporting its role as a vibrant, safe, welcoming, and investment-ready retail and activity destination.
"The $500,000 project represents the most efficient, flexible and cost-effective option. I'd like to thank the City staff who completed the works ahead of schedule and with minimum disruption to traders. The Mall has been remodelled and refreshed and will operate as a 10 km/h shared space, improving connectivity between Mitchell Street and Williamson Street," Cr Prince said.
"This is a space for everyone, so it is important that motorists, e-scooter riders and cyclists travel at 10 km/h or less as pedestrians have the right of way at all times.
"Opening the Mall to vehicles again is about creating more reasons for people to visit, stay longer and engage with city centre offerings. This is an opportunity to unlock the Mall's potential as a destination that showcases the very best of central Victoria, bringing together shopping, hospitality, culture, and entertainment. This is the beginning of a new era for the Mall that will enhance the overall vibrancy of the city centre.
"The future of the city centre will continue to be shaped by strong partnerships between the City and businesses, property owners and real estate agents who all have a role in positively and proactively contributing to a thriving precinct that benefits the whole community."
This is a permanent change to the Mall. In September 2027, there will be a 12-month review to consider what is working and what could be improved to ensure the Mall continues to best function as a shared space.
