Yesterday, the council announced it was beginning work on plans to revitalise Sturt St and Bridge Mall.

Despite some concerns from traders, the simple message is: It's about time.

Works in the mall and surrounding shopping precincts have trodden a well-worn path for a series of councils stretching back well into the previous century.

While our leaders have fiddled here and there with traffic flow, parking and shopping access, a definitive solution to what many see as a major blot on the city's streetscapes has been difficult to achieve.

While it remains to be seen if the council will approve its entire CBD plan, it is sending the right message about a holistic approach to the area's revitalisation.

It's also promising that the $2.2 million Sturt St and mall works will go ahead no matter what the council determines on the wider plan.

We are not suggesting for one minute that making improvements to the CBD is easy.

Melding Ballarat's rich past, particularly its historic buildings, with a vibrant shopping precinct with modern facilities and improved safety measures is always going to be a fine balancing act.

While some traders have expressed concerns about a reduction in traffic having an impact on shoppers, it is up to the council to determine if these issues outweigh the potential benefits of improvements to safety and the look and feel of the CBD.

There's no point in emphasising how important the plan is for the city - anyone, including our councillors, who is aware of the history will treat the issue with the utmost respect.

For a council that wants to be seen as taking action on local issues, the CBD plan is a perfect opportunity.

Bridge Mall Traders Association president David Maloney says it is important that some tangible outcomes from the CBD plan are achieved soon.

We couldn't agree more.