The former Kohinoor Community Centre in Ballarat Central is set to be redeveloped into a childcare centre and medical centre.
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Council disposed of the 3620sqm site, which contains two large buildings, late last year after it was declared surplus to requirements, having been in council hands as a community centre and meeting place for local groups for more than 25 years.
A planning application lodged with the City of Ballarat reveals developers want to renovate the existing buildings with building one facing Errard St, previously used as an Adult Day Centre, to house a 66-place childcare centre and building two, the former community centre facing Sebastopol St, to become a medical centre for up to six doctors and staff at any one time.
Developer Jaydeep Solanki said he was keen to work with potential tenants to finalise the building plans to suit their needs in the overhaul, which is budgeted to cost around $1 million.
"We plan to revamp the site ... and offer it as a multipurpose use site for the local community and business in health and childcare," he said.
"At this point we have basic plans in place that are highly flexible and adaptable for any organisation might come on board."
An existing glazed walkway between the two buildings will be demolished, completely separating the two wings.
Strong growth in Ballarat's population is part of the thinking behind plans for the renovation of the building and the businesses to go in there.
"That was the thinking when we acquired the site late last year. COVID-19 has put our plans a bit on pause but I think we have seen the best and worst of COVID, I believe the fundamentals are strong ... and there has been interest in the site," Mr Solanki said.
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"There's sustained growth in the population of Ballarat and remote working plans that all companies are embracing will make Ballarat more of a choice for many families in the near future."
Mr Solanki said the site was "strategically important" for Ballarat with its easy access, public transport links, proximity to the CBD and existing on-site car parking.
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