General News
15 August, 2025
Bradburys Lane back in business
The Horsham community took a sigh of relief as Bradburys Lane reopened on August 8, after almost 10 months of disruption, following the October 2024 Farmhouse Cafe fire.
The laneway, which connects the Bradbury car park to Firebrace Street, has been a vital pedestrian link for patrons, visitors and businesses, and its closure left a noticeable gap.
The reopening marked a turning point for nearby traders who experienced months of reduced foot traffic due to ongoing cleanup efforts and safety concerns after the fire that severely damaged the exquisit.
Tanya Coutts of ABODE Living and Giving said that she was eagerly waiting for the reopening.
"We have been waiting for the council to open the laneway for quite some time," she said.
"We have noticed the reduction of traffic when it was closed, so now we are very excited as the laneway is being reopened."
Horsham resident Neil Solocombe, who usually passes the laneway twice a week, said the reopening is significant for the consumers.
"Works great and makes it easier to re-access the main street," he said.
"So happy about that. Occasionally, I had to walk through the chemist, and I'm sure they wouldn't like that too much.
"We used to park here in the car park and go to that coffee shop. We miss that farmhouse cafe a lot.
"I was waiting for it to get reopened, as it's great."
The One Cleaning Service admin, Michelle, said it makes it easy for the staff and customers to access the main street.
"The staff liked it, as it's a shortcut to the bakery for lunch.
"I used to see it every day when I came to work, and I was looking forward to it getting reopened.
"It gives us access to the main Firebrace Street - a shorter way to the post office and the other shops."
Horsham Rural City Council mayor Ian Ross thanked the community for their patience and noted that some minor works are still pending.
"There are still minor works to be completed on the pavers, but aside from that, it's safe to reopen," he said.
"Until those works are finished, the pavers can't be replaced, but we've installed temporary barriers and bollards to ensure safety.
"We understand this has been inconvenient for local businesses and their customers, and we sincerely appreciate everyone's patience as we worked through it."
The laneway was closed due to ongoing cleanup efforts and safety concerns.
The council is now expecting improved pedestrian access and vital connectivity in the area after the reopening of the lane.
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