If multi-million dollar plans to refurbish the space go to plan, it will soon become the gem of Ballarat’s arts and music industry. 

In November, Victoria’s newly elected premier Daniel Andrews promised a $25 million funding injection to fix up Ballarat’s railway station precinct, including the redevelopment of a derelict goods shed into a state-of-the-art convention centre.

The shed would be developed into a 3000-square-metre exhibition and convention space alongside a new bus terminal, taxi rank, parking and station facilities. 

Stage one of the project involves the refurbishment of the north and south station buildings and adaptive use of the goods shed to accommodate an exhibition or performing arts centre with adjoining commercial spaces.

The city’s key stakeholders and residents have this week reiterated calls for a creative arts centre, exhibition space and live performance venue to be developed inside the railway station precinct. 

Many of them, including renowned Ballarat developer Darren Fraser, say the development is well overdue.

Mr Fraser said a performing arts and entertainment complex was essential for Ballarat and had the potential to breath new life into the arts and music industry in the city. 

His sentiment was echoed by arts enthusiast Geoff Potts. 

Mr Potts was instrumental in spearheading a campaign led by a group of residents who were lobbying all levels of government to turn the Ballarat railyards into an arts precinct before plans were unveiled by the state government earlier this year. 

Mr Potts now has visions of the space being used as multi-functioning performing arts space much like The Star in Pyrmont in Sydney, where high rating performing art shows like the X-Factor are filmed. 

Across the street, it is hoped millions will also be pumped into a refurbishment of the Art Gallery.

Ideas are already flowing, with calls for a pop-up wine bar and later opening hours to draw in the younger generations.

The possibilities for Lydiard Street are endless. 

Annual events like the City of Ballarat’s up-and-coming summer season of the Backyard Tasters have proven just how successful the creative arts industry can be at showcasing local talent.

But perhaps most importantly, not only would a dedicated creative arts hub bring people from all over to Ballarat, it would also hold the key to bringing the community together time and time again.