THE finishing touches are being applied to one of the city’s most highly anticipated developments.
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Once considered an eyesore, the Provincial Ballarat on Lydiard Street North is now lauded to be unveiled as another historical jewel in Ballarat’s crown.
Construction is almost complete on the luxury apart-
ments complex, cafe, lush piano bar and lounge area with a performance stage, gym for hotel guests and fine-dining kitchen.
A beer garden is also just weeks away from completion.
A pub-style menu, with a French twist, is also almost complete by Ballarat chef Philippe Desrettes.
Each of the 15 luxurious apartments were individually designed, complete with their own unique low-sitting chandeliers.
The 105-year-old building was vacant for almost seven years before it was bought by award-winning developers Darren Fraser and his wife Janet.
The outside of the building has already been restored to its former Edwardian art nouveau glory and, according to Ms Fraser, the interior will be complete by March 31.
Ms Fraser said in the past month the downstairs bar, light fittings and most of the flooring had all been installed. In the next week, it is hoped the entire ground floor will be complete, with the furniture already on its way to Ballarat.
She said physical work on the site did not begin until all permits were completed by early November.
“We wanted to have everything in place before we started con-
struction so it all ran as smoothly as it could.”
Ms Fraser said she and her husband were drawn to the iconic building because of the uniqueness of it.
“We had both always loved the building,” she said. “We both love old buildings and to be able to bring something that has been neglected so long, back to life is an incredible thing.”
Once the complex is unveiled, Ms Fraser will be in charge of the accommodation while Mr Fraser will oversee the running of the rest of building.
The first function at Provincial Ballarat is scheduled for March 19. The Ballarat Regional Tourism event will be held on the complex’s ground floor.
However, doors will not be open to the public until the end of March.
“If everything goes to plan, we will be up and running by the first of April,” Mr Fraser said.
He said he understood the public’s eagerness to explore the inside of the once-derelict building.
“We are really excited to open it up to the public, and we hope it will be embraced by the community.”
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au