Bridge Mall shops receive creative injection

The City of Ballarat is reactivating vacant Bridge Mall shopfronts as part of a collaboration with the arts sector.

The City has commissioned Ballarat Evolve, a bank of creatives, artists and makers to bring to life four empty shops in the Bridge Mall to draw more visitors to the shopping precinct and encourage them to stay longer.

The initiative involves giant vinyl decals on shop windows with key holes for shoppers to discover what’s inside – a selection of mediums from visual artworks to ceramics and jewellery. Importantly, visitors will be able to access information to the artists’ websites to buy any of their goods online. 

Evolve CEO Paula Nicholson, who worked with shop owners and real estate agents to secure the spaces, said it was inspiring to see artists and their work activate vacant commercial shopfronts.

“We have worked hard to promote a wide variety of creatives, styles and mediums as well as people from all different communities, cultures and walks of life,” project manager, Kelsie White added.

The Bridge Mall will receive a major upgrade as part of Council’s $15 million Bakery Hill Renewal Plan, with construction to start in the first quarter of 2022.

Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney says the Evolve Project is part of Council’s commitment to optimise space and encourage people to continue supporting Bridge Mall traders both now and during future construction periods.

“This is a great partnership that demonstrates how creative expression can be used to transform retail spaces and promote all the great experiences and unique product on offer in the heart of our city centre,” he said.

The decals will remain for as long as needed, or until the shops are re-leased