Bendigo's city laneway upgrades draw residents back to central spots they now prefer

Bendigo City Council finished lighting and seating upgrades along three laneways off Mitchell Street on 15 June 2026, and the changes have already pulled more locals into the centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

The works matter now because winter evenings have turned colder and residents want sheltered spots within walking distance rather than driving to outer venues or staying home.

New seating and small stalls along Mitchell Street lanes

Two of the refurbished lanes sit behind the Bendigo Art Gallery on View Street and lead toward Rosalind Park, where pop-up food stalls now operate on weekend afternoons selling items from $8. The third lane runs behind Hargreaves Mall and hosts a weekly Thursday night market run by the Bendigo Community Farmers group that started in late June.

Council records show foot traffic through the laneways rose 35 percent in the first three weeks after opening, with average spend per visitor listed at $17.50 on coffee and snacks.

Practical steps for first-time visitors

Residents can park at the View Street car park and walk the short distance to the new seating areas, or catch the route 5 bus that stops at the corner of Mitchell and Hargreaves Streets every 20 minutes after 5 pm. The council website lists the current stall roster and any weather-related changes to the Thursday market.