Engagement Summary

In November 2025, engagement at Carpenter Street and Harold Street local shopping strips was undertaken so we could hear how these shopping strips are currently used and what improvements might be considered in the future.

All businesses in Harold Street and Carpenter Street were visited to let them know about the survey. Postcards highlighting the survey were left with the businesses to hand out to their customers. All businesses were emailed a link to the survey for them to fill out or share with their customers. Focused social media posts were used to spread the message and 1,000 postcards were delivered to residents surrounding each shopping strip.

Response to the engagement was good from the business owners and people that live near the shopping strips with 35 contributors for each of Carpenter Street and Harold Street.

A comprehensive Engagement Report will be posted on this page by the end of January 2026.

Carpenter Street Overview:

This summary presents a more detailed overview of the community feedback for the Carpenter Street shopping strip. Most respondents visit the strip weekly and primarily travel by car, though walking and cycling are also common.

Key insights include:

• Accessibility: Generally good, but 23% report difficulties due to vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and poor visibility.

• Safety: 80% feel safe, but concerns exist around lighting, crossings, and speeding.
• Amenities: Strong desire for more seating and shade.
• Aesthetics: Area perceived as outdated, lacking greenery and modern facilities.
• Community Identity: Most prefer retaining the name ‘Carpenter Street Shops,’ with some interest in branding enhancements.

Recommendations focus on improving safety, enhancing public spaces, upgrading playground facilities, increasing greenery, supporting local businesses, and exploring branding opportunities.

Harold Street Overview:

This summary presents a more detailed overview of the community feedback for the Harold Street shopping strip. Respondents visit the strip daily, weekly and monthly and primarily travel by car, or active transport (walking and cycling).

Key insights include:

• Accessibility: While the majority find the strip easy to access, nearly 20% report difficulties due to lack of pedestrian crossings and limited scooter access.

• Safety: 77% feel relaxed/welcome/safe. Any safety concerns relate to outdoor areas rather than inside shops.

• Amenities: Strong desire for more seating and shade, especially for elderly and disabled visitors

• Aesthetics: Area perceived as lacking greenery, outdoor seating, and landscaping.

• Community Identity: Most prefer retaining the name ‘Harold Street Shops’.

Recommendations focus on improving safety, enhancing public spaces, upgrading footpaths, increasing greenery, supporting local businesses, and exploring identity opportunities.

Wendouree's Local Shopping Strips

Local Shopping Strips are small-scale commercial hubs that, while not formally recognised in the Ballarat Planning Scheme, play a vital role in the social and economic fabric of their surrounding neighbourhoods.

There are 5 key local shopping strips in Wendouree:

• Carpenter Street shops
• Harold Street shops
• Violet Grove shops
• Grandview Grove shops
• College Street shops

This project aims to enhance these shopping strips through placemaking—a collaborative process that fosters vibrant, inclusive, and locally reflective spaces.

Key Elements

• Community Engagement: Engage with business owners, customers, and residents to define and celebrate the unique identity of each shopping strip.
• Placemaking Interventions: Implement creative and place specific activations that reflect local character and improve your experience. e.g. street furniture, greening, public art
• Active Transport Improvements: Encourage walking and cycling by improving pedestrian access, crossings, and connections to and within the shopping strip.
• Place Activation: Support ideas that brings life to public spaces, encourages the community to interact with each other and local businesses, and help businesses grow. e.g. activities and events

Desired Outcomes

• Strengthen local businesses and understand the unique identity of each shopping strip.
• Improve pedestrian safety and access.
• Increase the sense of ownership and pride among locals.
• Support active transport options.

You can share your feedback in any of the following ways:

• Completing the MySay survey by using the below button "Currently in consultation"
• Email citydesign@ballarat.vic.gov.au with any feedback you'd like to submit
• Call 0409 104 275 to share your opinions