Ballarat Station’s bluestone goods shed is a step closer to being restored and reopened to the public, with the Heritage Victoria application for redevelopment works now under consideration.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford inspected the crumbling 19th Century building today and reaffirmed the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to breathe new life into the goods shed.
As part of the Labor Government’s $51 million revitalisation of Ballarat’s historic station precinct, the asbestos-riddled goods shed will be cleaned up and restored to its former glory.
The goods shed has suffered from years of water damage, termite infestation, vandalism and deterioration. The Heritage Victoria application outlines a comprehensive schedule of works to preserve the building’s unique heritage characteristic while responsibly rehabilitating the site.
Once complete, the goods shed will be home to a conference centre, a theatrette, banquet room, and a number of retail and dining options, all surrounded by landscaped public spaces for community events.
The activated precinct will help attract more private and public events to Ballarat’s CBD, which will lead to an increase in visitors and boost in local spending.
Work is expected to start in the coming months on the project, with 140 jobs created during construction and 30 ongoing jobs once completed.
In addition to the goods shed’s progress, the Government is continuing its work on the delivery of the Bus Interchange as part of the project, which received $5 million in the Victorian 2017-18 Budget.
Government’s transport agencies are undertaking site due diligence and reference design works, which will consider the needs of local buses, regional coaches, passenger pick up and set down and access between transport modes.
The project represents the delivery of the first stage of the Ballarat Station Precinct Masterplan developed by the Ballarat City Council in partnership with the Victorian Government.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“Preserving the heritage of the goods shed is important to the Ballarat community and is important to our Government.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“With the $51 million redevelopment, we will clean up the site, breathe new life into a heritage part of town, stimulate the economy and make this precinct something locals can be proud of.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“This marks yet another historical milestone in our plans to make the Ballarat goods shed a contemporary and modern site for locals and visitors alike.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020