NINE CBD projects valued at $520,000 were approved at Wednesday night’s Ballarat City Council meeting.
They include $90,000 improvements to both an Armstrong Street laneway and a public toilet, a $30,000 upgrade of the Lydiard Street signal box and a $40,000 Lydiard Street pedestrian crossing.
There will also be an $80,000 treed median strip in Main Road, which will provide greenery currently lacking in the street and add to its eclectic mix of office, food and drink premises.
The council will also provide $20,000 for a small reserve at the Peel Street and Little Bridge Street corner; $170,000 in Little Bridge Street beautification works, with $30,000 provided by the Bridge Mall Traders Association; and $10,000 for public art in Unicorn Lane.
A $100,000 upgrade of Queen Victoria Square opposite the Ballarat Town Hall will also take place, including replacing the current uneven surface with sawn bluestone pavers.
Councillor Samantha McIntosh said the works “tell a great story”.
“It’s work we need to do,” Cr McIntosh said.
“Driving around the city we see things that need attention. There’s lots of parts of our CBD craving some tender, loving care.”
Councillor Craig Fletcher said it was an “impressive suite of works” while Councillor Judy Verlin said the works helped honour a council commitment.
“They add to the commitment we made four years ago to reinstate pride in the city centre,” Cr Verlin said.
Further community consultation will take place on the design of each of the projects.
fiona.henderson
@thecourier.com.au