I WRITE to express my concern at the loss of yet another heritage streetscape.
The proposed Loreto College Performing Arts Centre may be best described as a piece of "brutalist inspired" architecture reminiscent of a Clayton industrial site.
This dominant box-like structure will be constructed adjacent to the western aspect of the current Loreto Chapel.
The new building will almost completely camouflage the western and south western aspect of the chapel and of the St Michaels novitiate building with its historic castellations and unique parapet.
The view of the chapel from the Sturt Street aspect will continue to exist however the streetscape will be dominated by the large box like construction extending partway up the height of the chapel roof.
Currently as one approaches Sturt Street from the lake there are exciting glimpses of the elegant and graceful chapel as it is revealed.
This view will be no more. The new building will strongly detract from the elegant and graceful chapel site and will ruin the existing ambience and streetscape as we know it.
The footprint of the proposed performing arts/education centre is much larger than the soon to be demolished St Elizabeth hostel and community residence (which currently hug the landscape), and as a result it will dominate the streetscape.
I encourage Ballarat residents to shed their complacency and not allow yet another heritage streetscape to be destroyed.
Jennifer McKenry
Lake Wendouree