THE face of Ballarat West is set for a radical revamp, with the City of Ballarat moving forward with plans for a state-of-the-art shopping and offices precinct.
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Long-awaited plans by South Yarra-based developer Lascorp Development Group for a new shopping centre on the Glenelg Highway, were approved unanimously by Ballarat councillors at the council meeting last Wednesday.
The move paves the way for a complex, positioned in the heart of the Ballarat West Growth Zone, which will include a discount department store, an Aldi supermarket, speciality stores, a mini-major store, fast-food restaurant, medical centre, offices, gymnasium and a Kmart Tyre and Auto Centre.
The centre will be mainly single storey.
It will also feature two town squares, two internal malls, parking for 825 cars, 17 disabled parks and 80 bike spaces.
Cr Des Hudson said it was a “fantastic” development for the south-west corridor of Ballarat.
Cr Hudson said not only would it showcase the newest section of Ballarat, but it would also benefit economic growth by increasing employment opportunities and enticing external shoppers from outer areas, including Smythesdale.
His words were echoed by Cr Peter Innes, who said the proposal was a step in the right direction for the rapidly growing area.
“There needs to be the infrastructure to keep up with the population growth,” Cr Innes said.
“With the housing proposed for this area, it’s all about strategic and long-term planning.
“In this instance, I think we have got it right, so we will let the ball roll carefully.”
While all swamp gums on the site have to be removed, new plantings will take place, including a mix of canopy trees and low-level cover.
The land, near the intersection with Cherry Flat Road, is zoned urban growth, as part of the Ballarat West Precinct Structure Plan.
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au
