Catering company La Kitchen 2U expanded by opening a cafe on Sturt Street in December. 

Work is under way on Taurus Restaurant, Paleo Cafe Ballarat and 4 Seasons Juice Bars.

Sturt Street has come a long way since July 2013, when  20 premises were vacant between Grenville and Pleasant streets.

Rising rates, high rental prices and an online shopping boom had impacted the city’s retail sector.

Commerce Ballarat chairman Andrew Rowan said business on Sturt Street had improved.

“We went through a period where there were a few empty shops,” he said. 

“We have seen a little bit of a reversal in consumer confidence, where it has kicked up now in the last period.” 

Mr Rowan said Ballarat’s retail and hospitality sector was often in line with national trends.

La Kitchen 2U owners Sophie and Regis Marteau opened their French cafe and deli on December 8. 

The pair decided to rent a Sturt Street shop to get more exposure for their catering business.

“We have been running the catering business for the last five years,” Mrs Marteau said. 

“We wanted a bit more exposure, and when the shop came up on Sturt Street we quit our jobs and went for it.” 

Mrs Marteau had worked as a bookkeeper and Mr Marteau worked in hospitality. 

The pair also ran Wendouree Roast in Howitt Street. 

Unlike their previous business venture, La Kitchen 2U has seen a lot of foot traffic. 

“From this weekend, we are opening seven days a week,” Mrs Marteau said. “We are busy every day.” 

She said she had heard of Sturt Street businesses being affected by high rent, but wasn’t deterred by this. 

The French cafe and deli is already recognised for its imported cheeses and dried goods. 

Colliers International Ballarat agent Travis Hurst said Sturt Street had changed. 

“It has improved a lot and, in my opinion, it is going to improve a lot more,” he said. 

“There is a stronger level of business confidence.” 

Mr Hurst said he was receiving more inquiries about commercial property.

“We are getting more inquiries than before,” he said. 

“The (shop front) vacancy rate was higher five years ago. I think we have seen a good take-up in the last few months.”

kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au