The Chiltern Tourism and Development president hoped the proposed project would provide a community space in the town’s centre.

“It will be making use of a thoroughfare which has long since lost its purpose as a street,” he said.

“It’s re-purposing the lane way into a vibrant centre for the community.”

Under the proposal, pergolas, seating and lighting would go up on the south side of Martins Lane between the IGA and WAW buildings, linking the IGA car park to Conness St, and across the road between Chiltern Bakery and the Telegraph Hotel.

The Chiltern Placemaking and Structure Plan identified Martins Lane as “an immediate opportunity to create a focal point within the Conness Street precinct”.

Mr Mayhew said it was exciting it was one of “the first cabs off the rank” in the plan.

“People were given an opportunity to give their ideas on how their community might look into the future,” he said.

“We are now at the stage where we’re being asked to consider what it might look like.”

Indigo Council has applied for the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund for place-making projects.

Mayor Jenny O’Connor said the beginning of the Martins Lane project would be dependent on that funding, combined with state and shire money.

“First instance is to make the design right and make sure Chiltern people want to use it,” she said.

“A couple years ago, we had a structure there that wasn’t well received and it was moved, as people didn’t feel attached to the space. 

“We’re really trying to come up with something people find attractive.

“There’s a number of things in the place-making project including a children’s and industrial land, but it seems the thing people feel really passionate about is a town plan.”

Council will hold feedback forums on Tuesday, May 2 at Chiltern Primary School from 3pm to 4pm, and that Saturday at Martins Lane from 10am to 12pm.