THE Bendigo Traders Association has taken a background role in the future of the Hargreaves Mall playground.
Work to demolish the popular playground began on Tuesday as part of stage two of the mall’s redevelopment.
The council is still at least 12 months away from finding a replacement for the equipment, with initial plans to build a controversial soft sculpture proving too expensive.
The BTA will discuss the playground with the City of Greater Bendigo council during a meeting next week.
Spokesperson Jane Mildren sympathised with the council’s position.
“We expect there will have to be some sort of playground equipment there,” she said.
“However, since the last two playgrounds have been there, a whole lot of new boundaries have been set regarding sun and safety.
“Things like this will have to be kicked around.
“Council is well aware of these constraints.”
Council’s Presentation and Assets director Jos Duivenvoorden last week said council would not replace the playground with off-the-rack equipment because it would not suit the new design of the mall.