Kerbing works mark seven-month stage of Bridge Mall redevelopment

Kerbing works have begun at the Bridge Mall redevelopment.

Kerbing around the garden beds marks seven months since the City of Ballarat and civil infrastructure and landscape contractor 2Construct began works to revitalise the historic retail precinct in the centre of Ballarat.

Paving works are now being prepared for the mall with sample panels being installed, while works will soon begin to lay bluestone pavers along the low-speed carriageway and in Time Lane.

Some of the bluestone blocks, which represent more than a century of Ballarat history, have been reclaimed from the former La Trobe Street saleyards. 

The bluestone has been sawn smooth to provide easy accessibility for pedestrians in the laneways. Uncut bluestone cobbles are also being laid with the weathered side facing up at the entrance and exit of the carriageway to create a textured finish.

In the next few weeks, crews are expected to begin the installation of custom furniture and street furniture, soft landscaping and signage.

Works have started on the demolition and excavation of Time Lane, with new smooth-surfaced bluestone pavers set to be installed. Once these works are complete, works will then begin on Foundry Way.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the kerbing marks the beginning of works that showcase the final finishes of the project.

“It is exciting to see the kerbing works commence and the redevelopment taking shape,” he said.

“Businesses in the Bridge Mall are open and trading as usual and I encourage everyone to continue to visit, watch the redevelopment continue to progress and to support their favourite businesses.”

Bridge Mall Business Association (BMBA) President Wen McLachlan said the works mark a positive milestone.

“The traders and customers will now be able to really visualise the exciting new space that is evolving every week,” she said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Ballarat for their vision, 2Construct and all their teams for the great efforts made this far into the project.

“We look forward to its completion and our new entry into the space connecting us with Sturt Street, creating a positive change for the future.”

Once completed, the redevelopment will restore the Bridge Mall as a vibrant destination for shoppers, diners, residents and visitors.

The redevelopment will feature a landscaped entry into the mall, a shared streetscape with one-way, low speed vehicle access via a mixture of salvaged heritage bluestones and Victorian bluestones, as well as a dynamic new play space.

The redevelopment will also include 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.  

Works undertaken since the project began in July include:

• Demolition of the centre of the mall, including removal of three fixed canopies, street furniture and pavers, and removal of remnant sections of tram track dating back to 1905 in accordance with heritage approvals
• Bulk excavation from the Peel Street end of the mall right through to Grenville Street, including removal of a significant amount of contaminated soil
• North and south stormwater pipe installation
• Coordination with Central Highlands Water as they replace water mains through parts of the construction zone
• Night works to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing telecommunication pits, and installation of new communications pits
• Installation of services, traffic signal pits and electrical conduits for smart street lighting
• Installation of smart poles, which will light the space and highlight historic facades. These will also be equipped with power supplies and CCTV
• Installation of tree pits to support the growth of the new landscaped gardens
• Reinforcement and stabilisation of the material beneath the carriageway (known as the sub-grade)
• Concreting to form the base of the road alignment and planned central event space
• Concreting of footpaths in preparation for paving works
• Removal and cutting of bluestone salvaged from the former La Trobe Street saleyards
• Opening up the portal to the Yarrowee River.

The Bridge Mall redevelopment is on track for completion mid-2024, subject to weather delays or unforeseen issues.

Keep up-to-date with the latest works at ballarat.vic.gov.au/bridgemalldevelopment and connect with Bridge Mall businesses via shopthebridge.com.au.

The Bridge Mall redevelopment project is another example of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to delivering a better Ballarat.