That’s the message from Commerce Ballarat chairman David Wright. 

“Commerce Ballarat are supportive of a development on the site which will create more jobs in the CBD, which in turn will create a vibrancy (there),” he said. 

Mr Wright said the prospect of more off-street parking in the CBD would be a hit with traders. 

The Civic Hall decision at Wednesday’s council meeting coincided with the state government budget, in which a $4.2 million ‘Innovation Lab and Digital Space’ was announced for the CBD. 

As the plan for the site picked by council has a commercial space, there is speculation the tech hub would be included in the development. 

Mr Wright said it was a good prospect, but in reality any major tenant moving in would be positive as long as they would be there long-term. 

“Whether it's VicRoads, some other department, or the innovation centre, it doesn't matter what the brand is. what matters is the number of people sitting in offices somerwhere in the CBD,” he said. 

Part of the relief about a decision came from the turmoil around the canned plan to demolish the hall in 2013 and 2014. 

Councillor Samantha McIntosh, who voted against the plan at the council meeting, said it was in the city’s interest to follow through with the project. 

“Sadly at times there does need to be compromise.  We are in the real world and not everyone will agree on this project, and we are bringing the community with us as much as we can,” she said. 

“There will always be preferred options or choices (among the councillors). As we move through this project there will be debate...(but) we have made a decision to move forward as a group,” she said. 

Cr McIntosh said her disagreement came from variations on the redevelopment plan, and noted community excitement around the plan moving forward. 

alex.hamer@fairfaxmedia.com.au