While vacant shops have appeared near the Sturt Street jewellry store, its future looks bright. It will undergo a complete renovation, closing for about two months.

Gaby Mills said operating a small business in the Ballarat CBD was not an easy ride. She said she faced increased utility costs and lack of affordable and convenient parking.

“We are a small business but we are trying to reinvent ourselves and trying to have new stock all the time,” Ms Mills said.

She said the Sturt Street strip between Camp Street and Grenville Street north was a lovely block, but it needed life.

“We need life here. We need shops that sell something with an idea. We have enough offices here in Sturt Street,” Ms Mills said.

“What we need here is people with entrepreneurial ideas. Don’t just sit on the same thing all the time. We would love to see it blooming.”

The renovated store will be larger, with a lot of surprises.