An application was lodged earlier this week to develop a mixed service station with two 24-hour fast food outlets at the former William Barrett and Sons steel works site on the corner of Creswick Road and Howitt Street. 

The proposed $4.9 million development would boast a 12-pump BP service station, a Guzman Y Gomez drive-tru Mexican restaurant as well as the Carl’s Jr outlet. 

The American burger chain opened its first Australian outlet in 2016 and while it has just three Australian stores,in New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland, it has previously stated its intention to open “hundreds” of branches in the next 10 to 15 years. 

Ballarat City Council deputy mayor and North Ward councillor Daniel Moloney said while council would need to ensure the project did not infringe on nearby residents or pose a traffic hazard, he was encouraged by the confidence business had in the area.

“It’s exciting there’s multinational businesses looking to invest in Howitt Street because it was only a decade ago the area was struggling,” Cr Moloney said.  “It’s really alive and it’s probably one of the most successful strips in Ballarat.

“If we can get the balance right it’s great for jobs.”  

Should the project receive the green light almost 70 car parks will be built on the site which sits directly opposite another BP service station. 

The proposal is just one of a multitude of service station and fast food developments which have been put before the council planners this year. 

A BP and Hungry Jacks are under development at the old Globe Hotel site in Sebastopol, while another service station is being built further along Albert Street. 

A major service station/drive-thru restaurant development along Geelong Road in Mount Clear went through planning earlier in the year, while Ballarat’s second 7/11 is planned for the corner of Howitt and Dowling streets.