Mayor’s Message - Friday 7 March 2025

Ballarat’s oldest retail precinct will take centre stage next weekend as the City of Ballarat, together with the Bridge Mall Business Association, invites the community to come along and celebrate the official opening of the Bridge Mall.

Commencing at 11am with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, the event will feature carnival-themed festivities with roving entertainment, family fun, an outside broadcast from 3BA, a Rotary Club of Wendouree breakfast barbecue, a display of historic photos of the precinct and a brand-new shopping experience.

To highlight the newly constructed carriageway, a cavalcade of vintage cars will proceed along the bluestone thoroughfare before parking for a showcase display.

This $23.3 million redevelopment is a game changer for our city, providing a modern public space, improved accessibility and a vibrant atmosphere that will benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.

There are many new features for people of all ages to enjoy including seating, places to gather, a playground and around 20 short-term car parks for pick-up and drop-off.

Already proving to be a popular feature is the portal to the Yarrowee River, connecting people with the river beneath their feet.

Adding to the functionality of the space are new bollards, which will allow easy mall closure for events, markets and performances.  

The official opening marks a major milestone in the transformation of the precinct, as the Bridge Mall redevelopment is a key project in the Bakery Hill Urban Renewal Plan, adopted by Council in 2019.

We are committed to delivering a better Ballarat and this is the first step in revitalising the Ballarat CBD, reinvigorating the area as a vibrant destination for shoppers, diners, residents and visitors.  

I encourage everyone to come along on Saturday, 15 March to celebrate with us and experience the new Bridge Mall.

- Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves