BALLARAT'S Visitor Information Centre could be temporarily relocated to the former State Bank on the corner of Camp and Sturt streets, but its preferred long-term home is the Town Hall.
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Councillors vote on Wednesday on a proposal to shift the centre from Lydiard Street North to the new building – a site which was suggested, then rejected in 2012 after a protest by university students.
Declining visitor numbers and a series of unsuitable potential sites have plagued the centre for several years, however a report prepared for council suggests a move to the Town Hall could secure its future for up to 20 years.
The report, prepared by City of Ballarat general manager of city strategy Natalie Reiter, states that the centre could move to the former State Bank building before June 2015, when the lease at 43 Lydiard Street North expires.
No timeframe has been placed on a permanent move to the Town Hall, but the report considers it the most economic option given current tenants of the Town Hall's West Wing can be relocated to make room for the centre.
Plans to transform Armstrong Street South (adjacent to the Town Hall) into an RV friendly area were also included with the report.
Two other locations – St Andrews Church on Sturt Street and the former State Bank – were put forward as long-term options for the centre by Ms Reiter.
Ballarat mayor John Philips said he "couldn't remember all the issues" surrounding the previous attempt to relocate to the corner of Camp Street, but admitted it was "taken off the list".
"We feel it needs to shift and find a better home and that's what happening going forward," Cr Philips said.
About 50 arts students protested a possibly move to the former State Bank in August 2012, after the City of Ballarat said it would change the four-hour parks in Camp Street to one- or two-hour parks to free up space for the relocated centre.
Cr Philips said councillors had seen the detailed feasibility report on future locations for the centre and would have the opportunity to make a decision on Wednesday.
