The state government has confirmed a historic goods shed at the Ballarat Railway Station will be sold to a private developer as part of the overall precinct redevelopment.
A statement to The Courier from the office of Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said the “ownership” of the shed would be transferred to the successful developer after the tender process is complete.
The massive, heritage shed is slated for refurbishment to transform it into a convention centre under a plan that will also see a section of land purchased by the successful developer turned into the site of a four-star, 100-room hotel.
“Subject to the resolution of all commercial and legal matters and the execution of the Development Agreement, the ownership of the hotel and the goods shed will be transferred to the successful private consortium,” the statement read.
It was widely guessed that the shed would be sold as part of the commercial zone for the site, but never confirmed by the state government until now.
An amendment to the Ballarat Planning Scheme allowed for the sale.
The Ballarat Station Precinct Advisory Committee’s report on the plan in May, which recommended that the amendment be approved, said the “primary purpose of the Amendment is simply to facilitate the excision and sale of the Private Development Area to a private owner and the development of the excised area for a commercial facility generally as described in the Precinct Conceptual Plan included with the draft amendment options”.
The exact size of the area for sale is unknown, but several maps, including one in the Ballarat Planning Scheme, suggest the hotel could be placed at the north-western end of the shed, but it’s exact placement is unknown.
The successful developer will be named at the end of the year, despite Regional Development Victoria’s original September deadline for a tender announcement.
Michael Pollock
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
Transport and infrastructure reporter.
