One of the highest profile empty buildings on Sturt Street looks set to have a new occupant, a new planning application has revealed.
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The address at 401 Sturt Street on the corner of Doveton Street was formerly occupied by the Bendigo Bank. Once thought to be earmarked for a major retail store, it is now set to be leased by another major bank, the ANZ.
The plans were revealed publicly for the first time in an application on the City of Ballarat's planning website. They propose changing the existing signage of the Bendigo Bank branch to ANZ branded signs.
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Bendigo Bank moved at the beginning of this year from the Sturt Street site to a new, smaller venue in the Block Arcade.
The building had been used as a pop-up store in the meantime by the well known designer Nicola Cerini.
Previously there had been suggestions a Country Road clothing store could open up in the building, which lies on one of the busiest junctions in the CBD.
However, those plans were never confirmed by the company. Since the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, the Country Road group has, like many other retail outlets, been badly affected by shutdowns and reduced trade.
An ANZ spokesperson said ANZ confirmed it had lodged development plans with the City of Ballarat for a new branch at 401 Sturt Street.
"The bank plans to relocate its 927 Sturt Street branch to this location by late January, 2021.
The banking giant has closed a number of branches in recent years across Australia, in particular in rural areas. A branch was closed down in Castlemaine earlier this year.
Many branches closed temporarily or were opened on a limited timetable due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed across the state.
There are three ANZ branches operating in Ballarat at the moment, including the current Sturt Street site, one in the Bridge Mall, as well as a Wendouree branch at 1233 Howitt Street.
The planning application, made "for the display of illuminated and electronic business identifications signage" was submitted by Lendlease on behalf of ANZ Bank. The documents can be viewed at the City of Ballarat planning website (see application PLP/2020/566).
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