PINARC Disability Support will renovate and move into the old Valcor building on Sturt Street after being told to vacate its Ballarat East home of 15 years.
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The disability support organisation received notice from the Sisters of Mercy to move out of its King Street North premises on October 31.
It was not good news for Pinarc, which had invested heavily on renovations as a long-term tenant of the building.
Pinarc chief executive officer Marianne Hubbard said on Monday the organisation settled and took ownership of 1828 Sturt Street, Alfredton after searching unsuccessfully to find rental accommodation that would house more than 60 staff.
But she said buying a property turned out to be a “brilliant outcome” as it would provide Pinarc with a capital base and room to expand their service options.
“We have lots of ideas for the new building as there is huge warehouse space and land,” she said.
“(Buying) was a long-term plan of Pinarc. We weren’t expecting it to happen right now.
“What’s exciting for us is we’ll be right near Ballarat District Nursing and Community Health and McCallum of course.
With the health precinct out there its a really good opportunity for us.”
Pinarc was asked to vacate its Ballarat East building by the end of last month, but the Sisters of Mercy allowed a few extra months to help the transition.
Best Community Development, which shared the site with Pinarc, moved out late last year.
Ms Hubbard said Pinarc was already renovating the new building and hoped to move in by late April.
“We are being supported to put in an Office of Living grant submission around planning and implementing local solutions to take advantage of all available water and prevent run off into storm water,” she said.
“This is pro bono work by consultants in Melbourne which is very exciting.”
She said the Sturt Street property included more outdoor space, which would allow Pinarc to establish a vegetable garden to share with the community and clients.
rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au