Geelong’s Little Malop St Mall is set to become home to a summer “party fiesta” in a bid to turn the troubled area into a “safe and appealing” place, according to council.
The “fiesta” of free entertainment will head to the upgraded precinct this month as part of a $315,000 makeover to improve the infamous mall.
The funding came after councillors unanimously voted to introduce a range of trial initiatives to “breathe new life” into the long-notorious trouble hotspot last year.
The council removed the mall’s public toilet last September, with a new performance stage now occupying the area to allow for the entertainment.
The free shows add to other recent upgrades in the precinct, including the reinstatement of the water features, new seating areas and the installation of children’s play equipment.
Councillor Peter Murrihy said the summer entertainment will provide “great fun” for the Geelong community.
“We’re very lucky to have top quality performers making themselves available to play on the new stage,” he said.
“It’s the council’s aim that these free shows and the other improvements will encourage people to visit the space and start to view it as an enjoyable place to spend time.”
The entertainment is set to begin next Friday and will run until 30 January, with shows from local performers including Andy Pobjoy, Josh Dance, Andrea Robertson and Kieran Tobin.
