Transformative infrastructure works have breathed new life into the historic heart of the CBD. Unveiled in February, the highly anticipated Ballarat Station Precinct is a vibrant commercial, transport and community hub boasting a new Quest Apartment Hotel, refurbished Goods Shed Convention Centre, public plaza, 400-space commuter carpark and new bus interchange.
The council is continuing its work to rejuvenate Ballarat’s heritage retail precinct with a $15 million Bridge Street Mall redevelopment set to provide new play and meeting spaces. Meanwhile, the $7 million Mair Street upgrade, and extensive streetscape activation funding, have enhanced retail and dining experiences across the bustling city. A $2 million government investment will add 1000 additional parking spaces, with the first 300 to be delivered near the new, multi-million-dollar GovHub.
Ballarat’s economy has grown by 45 per cent in the past decade, and the Ballarat West Employment zone is set to accelerate this further over the next 20 years. The 438-hectare development adjacent to Ballarat Airport will include a freight hub with road, rail and port access, creating a high-quality, high-profile industrial precinct.
Upgrades to the train line have delivered 135 extra weekly services, with 20-minute peak services for growing communities along the line enhancing Ballarat’s liveability for this expanding commuter population.
Work has commenced on Ballarat Base Hospital’s $541 million redevelopment, which will deliver a new emergency department, and 100 extra inpatient and short-stay beds by 2027. Final designs are expected to be released later this year.
