THE Commonwealth Bank is standing its ground over the proposed upgrade of its main Ballarat branch.
The news comes despite opposition from the Ballarat Citizens for Thoughtful Development and objector Mark Wakeling, who has vowed to continue to fight against it.
The CBA is planning to spend $550,000 on a modern facade, which will add height and streamline the building's image. Under the proposal the building will feature large glass panels and grey and bronze colours to replace the existing
stepped green verandah.
CBA spokesman Bryan Fitzgerald yesterday said the bank remained "happy" with the proposed facelift.
Mr Fitzgerald said the bank had no plans to amend the application, despite the Ballarat Citizens for Thoughtful Development calling for the bank to use the $550,000 to start a trust fund to restore the bank to its former glory.
"We'll wait and see what happens," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"There may not be a need for us to consider other options."
Mr Wakeling said he was disappointed by the bank's refusal to compromise.
"Together with the Ballarat Citizens for Thoughtful Development, I was trying to make a compromise with the council and the Commonwealth Bank," he said.
"It can be done, there's just no desire."
Mr Wakeling said the future of the building, at the corner of Sturt and Lydiard streets, was important for Ballarat.
"I'm not going to stop," Mr Wakeling said.
"I'll certainly do what I can to try and stop it."
Mr Wakeling said he had been contacted by a number of residents who shared his concerns.
"Obviously the people of Ballarat want to do something else other than what the Commonwealth Bank has proposed," he said.
"I'd like to try and take it further.
"If we need to fight it harder, we'll fight it harder."
Earlier this week, Anne Beggs-Sunter, president of the Ballarat Citizens for Thoughtful Development, said the proposed upgrade would threaten the city's future as an attractive film location.
The issue will go before the Ballarat City Council's forum tonight and the planning application will be put to the council on March 9.