The new development, aimed at the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) community, is expected to bring 35 permanent jobs and millions of dollars to the area. 

Developer Peter Dickson said work on the village would start as soon as enough people had signed on. 

“We need another 22 to turn the first sod,” he said. 

Mr Dickson estimated people would be moving in about 10 months after construction started. 

Ballan Chamber of Commerce chairman Robert Eskdale said the closure of Fiskville last month had already had an impact on the area. 

“The feedback that I’m getting is that (businesses) are starting to feel the pinch,” he said. 

Mr Eskdale is also a town planner and has worked on the Linton Estate project. 

Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the long-awaited project would help Ballan but would not have quite the same economic impact as Fiskville.

“It will be good for businesses in the town,” he said. “But it’s pretty hard to completely replace (Fiskville).” 

When it was announced in 2008, Linton Estate received widespread attention for being the first development for older LGBTI people. 

Mr Dickson said a $7 million community centre included in the development would be a hub for the whole community, providing some space for Ballan Health Service as well as the restaurant and leisure areas. 

“We’ve got our (LGBTI) community, but we’ll be part of the wider Ballan community as well,” he said.

alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au