VicRoads says the upgrade, which is still in its planning stages, will improve safety, ease congestion and improve pedestrian and cycling access to schools, shops and the train station. 

However, a group of retailers say they were left out of the Citizen Advisory Group that consisted of 34 members of the community and retailers. The group was consulted in October 2016 and provided feedback which formed the basis of many of the plans.

Fernwood Ballarat franchisee Lee Squire fears plans to turn angled parking into parallel parks leading to a reduction will deter customers.

“To the best of my knowledge there was no consultation. I am not happy. It will impact on an already overcrowded Mair Street and doesn’t make any sense,” Ms Squire said.

She says seven parks were already removed near her business in 2016 impacting on customers who liked to park within quick walking distance to the gym.

Chiropedic Bedding manager Debbie Clark slammed plans to replace the roundabout at the Grenville Street intersection with traffic lights, believing it would increase, not ease, congestion.

“I don’t think the traffic lights are necessary. It’s so frustrating we want our business to survive and feel if people can’t park outside a business they won’t come,” Ms Clark said.

However, Commerce Ballarat chair David Wright said the plans were “fantastic” with more positives and negatives.

“(Mair Street) will become safer, with better traffic flow, upgraded lanes for cyclists. The precinct is going to be beautified,” Mr Wright said.

“From business’ point of view they might not see it now – but when it is complete they will see the benefits.” 

City of Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh said council had not been fully briefed on the plans by VicRoads.

“It’s always wise to be informed with these sorts of projects – we want to make sure that it fits in with our car parking action plans.

“As a council it’s important for us we do whatever we can to support strong retail business. Our local business community will require a robust car parking system,” Cr McIntosh said.  VicRoads regional director Ewen Nevett said the community will be able to participate in June consultation.

“Consultation with the community and retailers is absolutely central to the revitalisation of Mair Street,” Mr Nevett said. 

“Once we have gathered further feedback and finalised plans, we expect to start works on the revitalization of Mair Street later this year.”

The City of Ballarat will look to the private sector for investment in multi-storey car parking as part of its CBD Parking Action Plan, including a potential space on Mair Street. 

The potential car park was first earmarked as a medium to long-term opportunity as part of the Ballarat Station Precinct Master Plan, released by the City of Ballarat in 2014. 

City of Ballarat mayor Samantha Mclntosh said council would call for expressions of interest in private sector investment in multi-storey, off-street parking in stage two of the five-year plan.  “It would make sense to have something close in CBD, but we need to be careful of the skyline and views.” 

The state government’s $25 million investment in the precinct includes the creation of a multi-storey, 270-space commuter car park near Nolan Street, however no commitment has been made for the Mair Street proposal. 

Council representatives are due to meet with Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan in an effort to see the capacity of the car park boosted prior to construction.