Multi-storey apartment block earmarked for Mair Street

The Courier understands the building application for 39 to 43 Mair Street East, Ballarat Central, proposed construction of a four storey apartment block with underground carpark. 

The application was lodged with the council at the end of last month.

At the moment the site, which sits on a mixed use zone, housed the M.G. Brown Electricians and Electrical Contractors red brick building. 

It is directly next door to the Athletic Club Brewery which opened its doors earlier this year. 

If the development gets the nod from the council, it will follow a growing trend of infill housing developments sprouting up across Ballarat’s Central Business District including the nearby by Marvella Heights four-storey complex at St Paul’s Way in Bakery Hill.

The controversial development is the most significant housing project earmarked for the CBD in recent years and is touted to be worth more than $9.5 million. 

It will include 75 apartments scattered across four apartment blocks and 19 two-storey townhouses.

It also followed on from a $15 million dollar redevelopment of the Ballarat Servicemen’s Memorial Bowling Club on Drummond Street which unveiled 30 contemporary townhouses late last year.

Ballarat’s population is expected to soar from 95,200 people to 142,000 by 2031. 

The council’s development and planning director Angelique Lush said officers were assessing the development and not date has been set for a decision to be made. 

Mayor Des Hudson said the council assessed every development based on its merit. 

"From a council policy position we have supported infill housing developments not only across various suburbs but also in the CBD," he said.

 "While these applications can be challenging, a diverse range of housing stock is part of an activated and vibrant CBD.”