There is growing speculation one of Ballarat's most conspicuous white elephants could find new life and support new jobs.
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It's understood Centrelink could open a new call centre at the former Masters Home Improvement building, at the Eureka Homemakers Centre on Learmonth Road.
The Community and Public Sector Union confirmed to The Courier the current call centre, on Gillies Street in Wendouree, is not fit for purpose - the centre is understood to be too small for the growing workforce, and the lease on the building is up.
However, Services Australia, formerly the Department of Human Services, cautioned no decision has been made yet.
It's understood Services Australia has been looking for a larger property for some time, and the CPSU is working with call centre management on the move to the new location.
Call centre staff would move, and it's not believed there would be any changes for customers.
Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said in a statement options were being reviewed.
"No decisions have been made at this time. Any changes to servicing arrangements in Ballarat will be communicated in due course," he said.
"As our leases come up for renewal, we take the opportunity to review our servicing options to ensure we continue to keep pace of the changing needs of the community.
"When assessing leasing arrangements, we consider many factors, including existing property commitments, availability and flexibility of accommodation and the impact on agency staff and the local community."
The Learmonth Road building has been vacant after the collapse of Masters in 2016, when it was acquired by HomeCo - reports from 2018 noted it could become a shopping mall.
The building's property manager was contacted for comment.
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