Have just been reminded of the May 2019 vision by planners for Bridge Mall in central Ballarat.
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For those who may not be familiar with the location, a current status report: a pedestrian mall, lots of outdoor dining, no vehicle traffic, no trams, no cycling, no skateboarding, no running, bench seating, outdoor dining, children's play equipment, occasional farmers market, some permanent roofing, with no trees and only the occasional police van cruising very slowly.
Idealised sketch proposal for the future show two lanes of through-traffic, a parking lane, two bicycle lanes, two new lines of trees, pavements, shop canopies and outdoor dining.
Pedestrians playing dodge the cars, children under close control, traffic lights at both ends of Bridge 'Street'.
Diners squashed into minuscule enclaves watching petrol and diesel vehicles queuing for two sets of traffic lights to turn green and breathing exhaust fumes.
I have only one question: Did the planners measure the width of Bridge Mall with an overstretched elastic tape measure?
David Chadderton, Wendouree.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW