Melbourne, eat your heart out.

A collaboration between a business owner and the Murray Bridge council has transformed a laneway off Bridge Street into a vibrant little al fresco space.

Mystical Flair’s Michelle Collins said that as well as serving coffees in the former driveway next to her shop, she hoped to make the most of a liquor licence to offer events as well.

The renovations were helped by a $5000 building enhancement grant from the council.

The grant program aims to create a more attractive central business district for Murray Bridge and bring more people back into the main street.

Council chief executive officer Michael Sedgman said he hoped more business owners would take the initiative.

“The transformational development at Mystical Flair ... shows the obvious benefit of what can be achieved when council and local businesses work together,” he said.

“We have approved a number of grant applications in West Terrace, Bridge and Seventh Streets and I strongly encourage more eligible businesses to come forward and work with us.”

Business owners with premises on Fourth and Sixth Streets, and sections of Fifth, Railway Terrace and South Terrace, may also be eligible for the $5000 grants.

Funding is available year-round for as long as the project’s $50,000 annual budget lasts.

• More information: Visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au, call Michael Shillabeer on 8539 1424 or email m.shillabeer@murraybridge.sa.gov.au.

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