The concept design includes 12 new bus bays for local bus services, pedestrian crossings for safer access between the car park and station entrance, and shelter for improved weather protection. 

The plan is part of the $51 million Ballarat Station Precinct Redevelopment, which is set to transform the Ballarat Station with new commuter and staff car parking and a Quest Hotel. 

Bus bays closer to the station will make it easier for passengers to transport between services, however the current concept design for the bus interchange does not include regional V/Line coaches. 

A VicTracks spokesperson said the current concept design had been developed to allow for potential modifications to accommodate regional coaches in the future.

The new interchange will be built to the north of the precinct between the new multi-storey car park and the train station. 

An internal road will be developed at the precinct, linking the Lydiard Street North and Nolan Street entries. 

It is planned that buses will enter and exit the precinct from Nolan Street via Scott Parade.

Details of the intersection design and traffic management at the Nolan Street intersection are still being developed, according to VicTrack.

The new bus interchange will be designed to meet the regulations and disability standards for public transport, including tactile ground indicators for the visually impaired to navigate service areas, braille boxes for visually impaired to be placed close to each bus stop timetable, and accessible bus shelters and pram crossings to ensure access for all abilities.

Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allen said giving the bus services a permanent home would reduce the impact of frequent bus services on local roads and residents.

“Ballarat is one of the fastest growing areas in Victoria, with more people relying on our regional transport services than ever before,” she said. 

Construction of the $5 million bus interchange is expected to start in mid-2018 and be complete by late 2018, subject to planning and heritage approvals.

The release of the bus interchange designs follows changes to Ballarat’s bus service in 2017, which simplified the network to 15 routes which all go past the Ballarat Train Station on Lydiard Street North. 

The change also resulted in a substantial increase to buses on the roads. 

The temporary bus interchanges along Lydiard Street North and Ararat Street, which had angered nearby residents, will be removed once the new bus interchange project is completed by the end of 2018. 

READ MORE Ballarat bus network patronage jumps following new network and timetable 

The Ballarat community are invited to attend an information session on Thursday at the Ballarat Station from 4pm to 7pm to learn about the concept design. 

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