Did the $23 million redevelopment of Ballarat’s Bridge Mall actually do anything?

The redevelopment of Ballarat’s Bridge Mall has been a costly and controversial endeavour, with a total of $23.3 million poured into the project causing restricted pedestrian access for months.

And while works like this can sometimes signal a death rattle for retail stores, some of those currently open on the strip say the future looks bright.

What happened: Bridge Mall reopened in March last year. Previously a pedestrian strip, the area was converted back to a one-way road that allowed traffic to flow through. Parking spaces, extra seating, and a brand new playground were also added.

Local conversation was dominated by questions of whether such a large project would result in success and, ultimately, an economic improvement for the east side of the Ballarat CBD. 

A town with a story: The mall sits in an area with Gold Rush history dating back to the 1800s. It has seen many attempted facelifts in its time. 

• Prior to settlement, it was a lush wetland and woodland with cultural significance to the Wadawurrung people. It later became a bridge over the Yarrowee river, and then a retail precinct was built in the 1980s. 

Local view: The Brolga had a chat with a few of the businesses in the mall to see how things are travelling a year into re-opening. 

Lea, owner of gift and craft store Mia + Talbot, said the mall had become a “very arty space.”

🗣️ “There’s lots of workshops and craft, like our candle-making event and next door’s art classes, and there’s so much interactive stuff. We are wanting to take a lot of our business outside too now, with live music and food trucks. It’s become a lot more inviting.”

A heart revitalised: Oz, owner of Near East Kitchen, opened up his café on the strip to coincide with the mall’s reopening. 

• “It’s made a good impact on us. Being open to the street makes everything more accessible, and people that normally wouldn’t come down are starting to visit. There’s more money spent on this side of town.” said Oz. 

However, the small business owner said there is one slight downside. 

• “It would have been good to see more food businesses open up, to bring the nightlife to the street here a little more. I’m doing what I can myself, opening up late-night coffee and food Thursday to Saturday. My neighbours are doing the same, like the Art Club Hub and The Pottage,” Oz said. 

Even walking through the mall, there is a lot more vibrancy and bustle than this time last year. The additional car spaces, playground, and refreshed shop-fronts seem to be beaming. It’s a welcome sight in 2026. 

“People seem so much happier to come down, and the overall vibe is a lot nicer” said Piper, daughter of Ballarat Chocolate Experience Store owners Pia and Heath.

“There’s so much extra curiosity.”