Another step in the redevelopment of the former Latrobe Street saleyards could take place this month as plans for a heritage overlay are discussed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 1909 administration building, the bluestone-paved saleyards and ramps facing Latrobe St as well as the 1963 selling pavilion are all included in the proposed heritage area.
Following a heritage assessment, a report has said the areas are "historically, socially and architecturally significant at a local level" and recommended for the overlay to be put in place.
HAVE YOUR SAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY
The report will be discussed at a planning meeting on November 27.
Council is seeking a planning scheme amendment from the Minister of Planning so heritage controls will apply permanently in the area.
The site has lain unused since the transfer to the new saleyards site in Miners Rest in October last year.
The former saleyards lie over an expanse of crown land that stretches more than 12 hectares just south of Victoria Park.
READ THE BACKGROUND ANALYSIS PAPER
Until they closed last spring, they had been operating since the 1860s.
The redevelopment of the area has taken considerably longer than first anticipated - an initial timeline suggested a final Urban Renewal Plan would be ready mid way through this year.
However, that timeline has slipped back considerably. A background analysis paper was put out to community in July.
It outlined community support for renewing the entire precinct, upgrading surrounding roads and extending Gillies Street through the saleyards site to Latrobe Street.
It also indicated public backing for the protection of heritage assets on the saleyards site.
[The sites] are historically, socially and architecturally significant
- Saleyards heritage assessment
The former mayor of Ballarat Cr Samantha McIntosh warned last year that the redevelopment of the old saleyards area would take time.
Given their use over more than 150 years for livestock, there is likely to be significant decontamination work that will have to take place before the area can be fully redeveloped.
Current mayor Cr Ben Taylor has said planning for the site would be one of his priorities.
The next stage of the plan will be the release of a summary paper with land use recommendations, which would also go to community consultation.
That is due to be followed by a framework plan, which would then be put to council.
Plans for the saleyards, both old and new, have never moved quickly.
The site of a proposed new saleyards was discussed for more than 15 years - with various locations proposed - until the move to the Miners Rest site took place in October last year.
