I ask Mr Broadbent (Letters August 29) to stand at the Civic Hall and look around.
He will see bricks, concrete and asphalt - little that is attractive in any direction.
Now imagine gardens nestling the developed hall into its surroundings, as a civic centre to be enjoyed by us all.
A space is not a "nothing" - it is priceless because it lets all kinds of opportunities emerge. At the Civic Hall it could offer changing outdoor exhibitions and events, hospitality to visitors and be an inviting place for us to be happy within, bringing life to our CBD.
Where is Ballarat's heart? Not at the Town Hall.
Sturt Street is more grand than welcoming - the market they tried didn't work and neither has Camp Street.
With no other open central land available or suitable in the CBD, this spot is perfect.
The hall is in walking distance to varying historical sites that speak to our rich culture and Ballarat's edge is its history. Why would we put up limited use buildings?
A green space would enable our changing identity to be brought to creative life and would also continue our proud tradition of blending fine architecture with beautiful gardens.
A civic site should be for the people's pleasure: green space symbolises our prosperity and creates a sense of place. Our place - "Ballarat".
Its Aboriginal meaning is "a place to lean on an elbow and rest", so let our future be enriched through a civic space, not more concrete going up. To be lively and enticing a city needs a green space. It needs a heart.
LINDA ZIBELL
Mount Helen