One of Ballarat’s most sought after blocks of land could soon be home to a massive $35.7 million apartment complex after Haymes Paint took the first step to transforming its historic home.
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An application was lodged with the Ballarat City Council earlier this month to convert the 6550-square-metre block on the corner of Peel Street and Scott Parade into a mixed residential and retail space featuring 63 apartments and five commercial spaces.
The construction would peak at four storeys, with a mixture of one, two and three bedroom apartments making up the complex.
The space currently houses the original Haymes Paint building as well as a single residential property which faces onto Peel Street.
Should the proposal be given the green light the majority of the Haymes building would remain in place, however the Peel Street house would be demolished.
Haymes Paint chief executive Rodney Walton said the company was yet to make a decision on whether it would keep a retail space on the site.
“We’re keeping our options open but the first step is to go through planning process,” Mr Walton said. “The Haymes family and broader business is excited that there’s a vision and direction for that parcel of land in the middle of Ballarat,” Mr Walton said.
The plans depict apartments skirting the edge of the block, with car parking to be located in the centre. The development would also boast several commercial office spaces.
Vehicles would gain access to the complex through an entry off Ebden Street, between the block and Eastern Oval.
The historic building was the initial factory site for Haymes Paint which began back in 1935.
While the warehouse has since been shifted to Wendouree, the building has continued as the company’s flagship storefront.
The central location has long been touted as a potential site for residential or retail development.
Council’s Making Ballarat Central document from 2010 and 2017 CBD Action Plan set out a strategy to initiate discussion with the land owners about potential redevelopment in the future.
The historic building was the initial factory site for Haymes Paint which began back in 1935.
While the warehouse has since been shifted to Wendouree, the building has continued as the company’s flagship storefront.
The central location has long been touted as a potential site for residential or retail development.
Speaking to The Courier in November, Ballarat City acting development and planning director James Guy said council were aiming to make infill development account for 50 per cent of population growth by 2040 compared to the existing rate of 40 per cent.
Traditionally greenfield development has made up the bulk of new housing in Ballarat.
Ballarat City mayor Samantha McIntosh said “sites like this provide a great solution to that metropolitan bust” occurring in inner Melbourne.
“We need to look at the middle of town and how its able to provide for this growing city,” Cr McIntosh said.
“The important thing is (Haymes) see the big vision that we do.”
The proposal still must pass through council’s planning department before being placed on advertising. Given the scope of the project it will almost certainly go before a council meeting.