I'm just not sure the Civic Hall site is the spot for that, as the building could look at odds with the Civic Hall and also take up too much of the Civic Hall site when you are talking about catering for 400-500 people and their cars.

There are certainly other spaces in Ballarat that could be used.

With the community in mind, is this the perfect reason for our lovely hall to be repaired, renovated and opened up as soon as realistically possible?

Paint, polish, shine, adaptive re-use is what the wonderful 2500 objectors are asking for and there are many more objections coming.

People can see the fantastic opportunities we have with bringing tourism here with events held at the Civic Hall while also being used as a wonderful community hub, still catering for the fabulous Soup Bus and the people who get support and assistance there.

What a benefit the Ballarat Civic Hall would be for a true community space, for all community, all cultures, holding cultural events, such as different organisations for youth, sporting, arts, theatre, bands, dance groups, singing groups, debs and expos.

Instead, these groups are being pushed to hold their functions on the outskirts or in sheds and where they can not fit the family members who would like to watch them perform.

The lower hall would be perfect for a tourism centre, with a cafe, where people can drive in with their vans, trailers etcetera, have a cuppa and snack while finding out which way they want to go or finding out what Ballarat has to offer.

In relation to the skate park on the site, why doesn't the council fix it up for the community to benefit from, instead of taking it away?

It is used by a range of people who differ in ages and demographics. The young ones like it as it is not full with other teens to feel pressure to be crash hot if they are beginners.

Or if their parents work in the area and they are waiting for them to finish work. Some teens/adults like to go there and just chill.

The Ballarat City Council could put an indoor BMX pit on the site to give our youth even more things to do in our town. It would allow more flexibility for different events, including skating and bike tricks, pro skaters etcetera.

With public transport so close, with accommodation so close, with a range of shops so close, that's what I call a win-win.

Let's get on it and get the Civic Hall and its site working for the community, not against them. Don't let it sit idle, get it activated for our community to benefit from.