Opposition Public Transport Spokesperson David Hodgett, who was in Ballarat on Tuesday, said the state government’s $44 million redevelopment did not focus on the needs of commuters.  

Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled the project in November 2016, announcing $25 million in government funding for the site to develop an exhibition space, a new hotel as well as expanded parking.

Mr Hodgett said the current plan ignored the need for a bus interchange within the precinct and did not allow for adequate parking. 

“Other regional areas like Geelong and Bendigo both have bus interchanges incorporated into the station and have suitable car parking,” Mr Hodgett said.  

“The previous government had worked with the council to put together that master plan, (so the Coalition would) go back and review it, but it had the bus interchange incorporated into the station and more car parks than what there is now.” 

While the original master plan earmarked a bus interchange for inside the precinct, it was overlooked in the November announcement.  An interim interchange has since been developed along Lydiard Street North. 

Earlier this month Wendouree MP Sharon Knight said Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan had requested funding for the interchange in the upcoming 2017/18 budget. 

The development, which is due to begin later this year, will see the development of a 270-space, multi-storey car park at the rear of the station and a 150-space car park on the currently unsealed space which borders Nolan Street. 

While this represents an increase to capacity from about 390 parks to 420 sealed spaces, it is a reduction of 120 commuter parks, as the 150-space park will be dedicated to the hotel and convention centre. 

While Mr Hodgett said the Coalition would increase commuter car parking, he did not say where the additional parking would be placed.  The 2014 Master Plan identified two parking locations with a potential capacity of 375 spaces as well as the long term possibility of a multi-storey, 250-space car park on Mair Street. 

Speaking in November Premier Andrews said the multi-storey park could be expanded in the future to cope with added demand. 

Mr Hodgett also confirmed the Coalition would honour any contractual commitments struck with the consortia charged with developing the site, which includes the Pellicano and Spotless groups.