Hargreaves Mall business want free parking in Bendigo CBD

Free Choice Tobacconist manager Scott Dalgliesh distributed 40 petitions to businesses in the precinct over the weekend, which stated they were struggling to compete against shopping malls offering free parking.

Mr Dalgliesh said more needed to be done to encourage people to shop in Hargreaves Mall.

"Shops seem to be disappearing from the mall all the time. The two shops next to mine have been vacant for six months and 12 months now," he said.

"It's not just about us. People want to shop here but it just costs too much. Everyone says they would come in more if it was free."

Mr Dalgliesh said the playground in Hargreaves Mall had encouraged shoppers to stop, but more needed to be done. He said he had filled one sheet with signatures in less than three days.

The businesses displaying the petition also want one-hour free parking in the Hargreaves Street multi-storey car park and to reduce rates for permanent parking for businesses.

Sportsco manager Sandy Agnoletto and Hudsons Coffee manager Rajarshi Hanumolu were among those to display the petition.

Mr Agnoletto said it made sense to have free parking to revitalise the mall and CBD shopping.

Mr Hanumolu said it was difficult for workers in the Myer precinct to continue to pay $7 per day to park.

There are 3250 paid parking spaces in the CBD. Fees did not increase in July 2014. Businesses pay $118 per month for a reserved park.

The City of Greater Bendigo projected an increase in parking revenue of $207,000 in the 2014/15 Budget.

City director of planning and development Prue Mansfield said the CBD already offered 1.5 hours of free parking in the Edwards Street multi-storey car park.

"We would argue the Edwards Street car park provides enough free parking for the CBD," she said.

"What traders need is a turnover of parks, making it easier for people to find a park.

"No parking is free either. The cost of providing parking at private shopping centres is included in lease fees."