Heritage Victoria gives Ballarat Station Precinct the green light

Construction at the precinct was due to begin in September however it had been stalled as the government and developer Pellicano waited for the approvals. 

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The developer has made a number of alterations to its original plans following 40 submissions from the public, including a response from Ballarat City Council. 

From the government’s $25 million contribution, $4 million will go towards retaining the key features of the iconic goods shed, which will be transformed into a convention centre equipped with retail and hospitality spaces.   

A legally binding covenant will also stop the developer from adding further buildings between the goods shed and Nolan Street and the existing train station. 

Wendouree MP Sharon Knight said while she knew some people would continue to be opposed to the development, she was hopeful they would change their minds once the precinct was complete.

She said she expected construction of the multi-storey, 405-space car park near Nolan Street to begin before Christmas.  

“I’m really happy the permit has come through because Heritage Victoria is an independent body and I’m really happy the story of the goods shed and railway station is going to be preserved.” 

The approvals come almost 12 months after Premier Daniel Andrews announced Pellicano as the successful bidder to develop a 4.5-star, 77-room hotel, which has since been downgraded to a four-star apartment complex. 

Existing train tracks east of the goods shed will also be retained in the development, while a reinterpretation of the burnt down northern weighbridge hut will be redeveloped to preserve the remaining weighbridge scales.

Ballarat City mayor Samantha McIntosh said she was pleased with the consideration given to heritage elements on the site.

“It’s so important for us to know state government has heard our community’s embrace and care of heritage.”