Makeshift barriers placed outside Coles supermarket after botched plans for a new airlock are likely to remain in place at least until the end of March.
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Extensive works were carried out at the Ballarat Central branch of the store in spring 2019. As well as a major internal refit, the works included a new airlock for the north entrance of the store. However the finished airlock extended across the entire footpath, forcing pedestrians who did not wish to go into the store onto Sharwood Street.
When highlighted by The Courier in late 2019, the City of Ballarat said they were not happy with the outcome of the work.
At the time, council officers said they were meeting with representatives of Coles to work out a solution.
An amendment to the original planning application was submitted to council planners at the end of January 2020 for a more permanent footpath.
A ramp has since been installed to make the new area disability compliant and a taxi rank that was formerly immediately outside the entrance has been relocated.
However, the temporary plastic orange barriers remain in the same position they have been in since last January.
A Coles spokesperson referred inquiries to the City of Ballarat.
A statement from the City of Ballarat said there were preliminary designs for changes to the area around the area, including the airlock and nearby toilet block.
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"The works are intended to tie in with the recent up-grades in Little Bridge Street around the Bus interchange
"Finalisation of the design is under way in light of the precinct planning for the Bridge Mall Rejuvenation Project Draft Precinct Plans [which] will go to a Council Meeting in February.
"The City is satisfied that the preliminary designs for the airlock and toilet block will complement the draft precinct plans and surrounding streets."
The spokesperson said they hoped construction could begin by the end of March.
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