BALLARAT's most anticipated redevelopment for 2015 has opened to the public.
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The Provincial Ballarat opened on Thursday, five months after owners Darren and Janet Fraser began revamping the former Lydiard Street hotel.
The $4.7 million dollar development includes a restaurant, 15 luxury apartments, lounge bar and conference rooms.
Former Craig's Royal Hotel head chef Philippe Desrettes will be in charge of the Provincial Ballarat's kitchen.
The seasonal menu, with a french influence, includes pizza, pasta and seafood dishes.
A separate lounge bar will open downstairs on Friday and Saturday nights.
Mr Fraser is pleased the project has been completed.
"It has come along pretty quickly with the help of the local tradies. We were working seven days a week to get it finished," he said.
"We have done a lot of work, but I knew what I was in for."
The Provincial was built in 1909 and is Heritage Victoria listed.
Mr Fraser and his wife Janet had previously converted the former RSL building in Lyons Street South into Ballarat Premier Apartments.
The pair also designed The Provincial Ballarat with the help of Dejong Drafting.
"We wanted to keep as much of the original features (of the building) as possible," he said.
Local interior design company That Special Look also helped shape The Provincial Ballarat.
"We wanted a contemporary look.... we wanted to mix the old with the new," he said.
The 15 luxury apartments are expected to open next week.
"There are one and two bedroom apartments and there are also one bedroom suites," he said.
A private gym and onsite car parking are also available for guests.
AT A GLANCE:
WHAT: The Provincial Ballarat.
WHERE: 121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat.
WHEN: Open seven days, 7am until late. Lounge bar, open Friday and Saturday, 5pm until late.