The space is leased by City of Ballarat next to Officeworks for the next three years, with a planning application soon to be lodged to add lights and cap the former petrol depot site. 

It follows the release of council’s proposal to implement paid parking across the CBD unrestricted by time. City of Ballarat confirmed the lot would come under zone 2, meaning motorists would pay $1 per hour, but could potentially have a daily rate depending on demand. 

No open date has been identified for the car park.

The new off-street spaces are part of a state government contribution of $2 million to council to create 1,000 new car spaces in Ballarat CBD overall. The funding was to rectify the loss of car parks and imminent influx of public servants with the Civic Hall GovHub redevelopment. 

The council says there is currently 10,000 workers in the CBD, estimated to increase by 2,000 in the next two years.

Regional development minister Jaala Pulford said arrangements had been finalised for the Creswick Road car park on Monday.

“A bit over a year ago we provide $2 million dollars to the council to assist them to transform Ballarat’s parking situation,” she said. “It’s been a bit slower than I would have liked.”

Check out City of Ballarat’s proposed parking plan below