An architect's illustration of the planned facility.
DESIGN plans for the new $13.6 million Ballarat Community Health Primary Care Facility at Lucas have been unveiled.
The two-storey building has been designed by Melbourne-based Design Inc, renowned for its environmentally sustainable buildings, after 26 companies applied for the tender.
BCH chief executive officer Robyn Reeves said the project was being funded under the Health and Hospitals Fund Program, with the federal government contributing $11.6 million and BCH providing $2 million.
Ms Reeves said it was being built in Lucas to cater for the Ballarat West growth corridor.
“We will have one primary site but we will still have a local presence in Ballarat East, Wendouree and Sebastopol. We don’t want to take away what exists, we want to add to it,” Ms Reeves said.
“If we take the pressure off existing sites, it will provide accommodation for new services.
“We’ve made remarkable progress given we’ve had to go through all the planning processes, purchase the land and conduct stakeholder consultation.”
BCH project manager Jim Rodgers said its main design feature would be a landscaped spine through the middle, which would be a communal space.
It will include conference rooms, multi-purpose areas, a cafe, gym, kitchen, resource area, consultation rooms and clinical spaces on the ground floor, with offices on the second floor.
The main staircase can also be converted into seating for communal performances.
The office will have ample garden spaces, an external terrace, a productive garden and an outdoor recreation area to expand gym programs.
Ms Reeves said all community services would be offered at the Lucas site, including health promotion, community health nursing, alcohol and drug counsellors, youth services and mental health services.
Mr Rodgers said the office could accommodate 120 staff. Construction is expected to start in May.
fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au
