Ballarat’s historic railway station precinct is set to undergo a major transformation, with Heritage Victoria granting a permit allowing the $51 million project to go ahead.
The permit will allow for the revitalization of a historically important 19th century bluestone goods shed, which currently stands empty and derelict to the north of Ballarat Station.
A joint venture between the state government and developer Pellicano, the station redevelopment will be based on a masterplan by SJB Urban, with DBI Design as the project architect.
Under the plan, the heritage goods shed will be opened up to public as a conference and events centre, incorporating meeting rooms, a 300-seat banquet space and theatrette along with retail and dining offerings.
The overall concept masterplan of the Ballarat Station precinct redevelopment.
Image: Supplied
Key heritage features of the shed will be preserved, at an estimated cost of $4 million. A heritage-interpretation program illustrating the history and operation of the goods yard and goods shed will be installed. A timber hut modelled on one that burnt done in 2014 will be built to protect railroad scales (an instrument for weighing rail vehicles), while further development in the areas between the shed and the railway station buildings and Nolan Street to the north east will be prohibited.
The development of the wider precinct will see the construction of a 77-room hotel, a public plaza, a bus exchange and a commuter car park with 405 spaces across three levels.
The Labor state government committed $25 million to the project in 2015 and a further $7 million was allocated in the 2017/2018 budget.
Acting minister for regional development Jacinta Allan said the project would secure Ballarat’s place as a city where people want to live and do business, while the Labor member for Wendouree Sharon Knight said it would be a boon for Ballarat.
“This is a proud day for Ballarat and our future just got brighter,” Knight said. “Finally, we will breathe new life back into our historic site while preserving the heart and soul of the goods shed.”
Construction is slated to begin in “mid to late 2017,” though the government had previously indicated works could start in September.
