The Lydiard Street building, which is now CAFS’ head office, was constructed in 1913 and originally owned by Ballarat hotelier William Irwin, who built the neighbouring Provincial Hotel. 

The site was originally considered for a Temperance Hall and where Prince Alfred laid a foundation stone during his visit to Ballarat in December 1867. 

During its 104-year history, Ludbrook House has been home to Eureka Brewing Company, a hostel for servicemen during the Second World War and St Paul’s Technical School. 

Child and Family Services Ballarat corporate services general manager Shane Callahan said the half a million dollar refurbishment project was nearly complete, with just the ground floor to do.

“We had to go through quite a bit of consultation with heritage around the colour selection (of the exterior),” he said.

“But there has been a lot of positive feedback – a lot of people have been taking photos of our north facade.

“It certainly fits in well with the heritage overlay in Lydiard Street.”

Mr Callahan said a perforated metal screen had been added to the side of the building to filter some of the natural light. 

He said images on the screen depicted how the building looked 104 years ago.

Mr Callahan said sustainability had also been considered, with 100 solar panels on the roof helping to generate 25 per cent of the welfare agency’s energy consumption from renewable sources.