The new lights were installed as part of a streetscape renewal project designed to open-up outdoor dining, activities, and events.

The project also included installing new decorative dividers outside cafes, restaurants and hotels, extra outdoor power points, uplighters at the two palm trees located in front of Ararat Town Hall and banner flags running from the Shell Service Station to Baker's Brew.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the council has had "positive feedback" from the community about the newly installed lights on Barkly Street.

"We've had positive feedback from hospitality and retail businesses and residents who are saying that Barkly Street is now totally lit," he said.

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He said the festoon lighting upgrade created a more attractive environment for residents to enjoy.

"As part of Council's commitment to creating more active, vibrant spaces to increase visitation and night-time trade, we consulted with our retail businesses on ways to activate outdoor dining and events" he said.

"The festoon lighting and the dividers also create a consistent look for the streetscape, bringing out Ararat's unique heritage and character.

"We received a number of bright ideas with an overwhelming response that improved lighting, access to power and alfresco dining dividers would enhance the entire streetscape."

He said the revamped streetscape provided many benefits to businesses on Barkly Street.

"This will open up opportunities for expanded hours of trading which will help increase the stay and spending from visitors," he said.

"Limited indoor seating resulting from COVID restrictions has been a major challenge. Hopefully, by encouraging creative dining solutions and our free parking initiative, we can help them bounce back."

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Ararat Rural City Council have been working closely with AF Gasons to plan a detailed design for the divider screens to complement and enhance the look and feel of the CBD.

"It also means that staff at our cafes, hotels and restaurants no longer have to move dividers in and out each day, saving time, energy and the odd sore back," he said.

"Several models were considered before settling on the final design of the dividers, taking into consideration the Art Deco influence of a number of the iconic buildings along Barkly Street."

The $250,000.00 project was funded by the Victorian Government through the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package business grant program.

"I'd like to thank the Victorian Government for their support, plus Council's economic development team and outdoor crews for working with business to minimise disruption during the installation, and all of our local businesses and suppliers who gave their time and effort to get behind this fantastic project," he said.

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