The Andrews Labor Government today announced award-winning design firm John Wardle Architects has been selected to design the new ‘Gov Hub’ precinct in the heart of Ballarat’s CBD.
The new precinct will be home to up to 1000 government employees – revitalising a major part of Ballarat’s CBD and promoting growth in the local economy, following the Labor Government’s $47.8 million investment towards the project.
John Wardle Architects’ design lead for the project, Luke Jarvis, lives in Ballarat and the landscape design director Kirsten Bauer worked on the Ballarat Structure Plan.
The team from John Wardle will work closely with Baumgart Clark Architects Pty Ltd, who have been engaged by Ballarat City Council to lead the refurbishment of Civic Hall.
The new building will be integrated in the iconic Civic Hall precinct while delivering modern offices for government employees – creating contemporary work spaces and allowing for greater flexibility and use of technology.
The community and local businesses will have an opportunity to view the concept design, speak with the architects and the design team, and provide feedback at a community consultation session on Saturday 2 December. An online feedback process will also be available to the community.
The Minister for Planning will be asked to facilitate planning approval for the new building.
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“With up to 600 professional jobs coming to Ballarat, we will build the diversity of jobs on offer and help provide career pathways for locals, while attracting more people to live in regional Victoria.
Quote attributable to John Wardle John Wardle Architects
“Our design team brings strong local knowledge and a unique understanding of the civic hall precinct. Our focus will be to design a sustainable building that will ensure a long-term legacy for this iconic site.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
"We're bringing the jobs and the economic boost to Ballarat that our city deserves.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard
“Ballarat’s new GovHub will revitalise the Civic Hall site and the community will be able to view the designs in the coming months.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020