Activating Alfred Deakin Place

Another key area in the CBD is to be enhanced ready for summer outdoor activation.  

Alfred Deakin Place, beside the Art Gallery of Ballarat, is set to be improved with seating areas, landscaping, and umbrellas to enable people to stay and enjoy the space.  

To bring the Art Gallery outside, there will be four portable backlit exhibition panels that will be used to display visual art and will be powered by solar panels.  

This will create an outdoor area to be activated and programmed by the Art Gallery of Ballarat.  

There will be a variety of seating styles and spaces, complemented with raised garden beds. Wind barriers and umbrellas will be installed to assist with shade and weather coverage. 

The project is entirely funded by the Victorian Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor Activation Fund, which supports creative industries most affected by Covid lockdowns. 

Subject to Heritage Victoria permit, a permanent large five metre screen will be installed in the area to showcase local film and artwork from the Art Gallery of Ballarat.  

The screen will serve the Ballarat Art Gallery to display digital and multimedia artworks from their extensive collection. The gallery currently plays a major role in the activation of Alfred Deakin Place. 

The screen will also support public events in Alfred Deakin Place. The screen can be used to display movies and sporting events. It may also be used as a backdrop for events such as performance art, live bands, or public speakers.  

A City of Ballarat mySay survey showed 70 per cent of respondents approved of outdoor dining and activation areas and that they would be prepared to walk to active outdoor spaces that were aesthetically pleasing, with good design and weather protection. 

The City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said he was thrilled Ballarat is still looking for options to activate our public spaces.  

“It is a fantastic way to get people out and enjoy the atmosphere, using our public spaces to showcase local art and film, a great way to promote our creative community in Ballarat and an opportunity to engage with this creativity at Alfred Deakin Place.”  

“Ideas to support expanding outdoor trading and activation areas are welcome, with Council willing to assist wherever possible.”