Heritage Victoria has asked developer Pellicano for more information about its plans for the Ballarat Station Precinct after the peak body received 40 public submissions in relation to the $45 million project.
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Public feedback on the proposal closed on July 28, with Heritage Victoria now undertaking a detailed analysis of the site before a heritage permit is granted.
Speaking during a visit to Mars Stadium in Ballarat, Premier Daniel Andrews said he was confident the government could “deliver a balanced outcome, a fair outcome that has proper regard for the history of that site but also sees it re-imagined”.
“I've been in there and the pigeons are having a fantastic time but there is no heritage protection, there's no public enjoyment and there's no use being made,” Mr Andrews said of the site.
Heritage Victoria has until late September to determine whether to grant the heritage application.
The state government had previously stated it hoped to begin construction on the multi-storey car park near Nolan Street as early as September this year.
The design of the car park was one of a number of elements criticised by the Ballarat City Council in its submission, saying it was not consistent with the heritage overlay of the area.
Ballarat City Mayor Samantha Mclntosh said while it was important the project progressed, the city’s heritage character must be respected.
“We shouldn’t be compromising and we should always be holding heritage as number one as it’s the personality of our city,” Cr Mclntosh said.
“I would like to see some smart planning so we can start before the end of this year.”