In an effort to offer a COVID-safe environment for weddings and large parties - a move encouraged by City of Ballarat and the Victorian government - comes The Precinct.

This comes days after The Forge transformed part of its Armstrong Street indoor function space, Housey Housey, into Salad Fix in a bid to tap into a Melbourne foodie trend for summer.

The Forge's Chris Matthews said teaming up with Michael Unwin for a space made sense. Michael Unwin Wines moved its winery from Beaufort to Remembrance Drive in Ballarat earlier this year and there had been no chance to develop as an events space before pandemic restrictions.

Their partnership goes back to The Forge's origins. Michael Unwin Wines were the first wines The Forge's flagship restaurant in Alfredton offered. The Forge team had since similarly built up a strong bond with the Red Duck Brewery team.

The Precinct's first wedding is booked for this weekend.

"It would be pretty easy this year to mope around and focus on what we couldn't do, but we decided to look at what we could do," Mr Matthews said.

"We tried to tread water a little with some of our existing event bookings but now we can see how this weekend goes...There's the nice element of being in a winery but under some cover if it rains but for people who want to have an event, all the hard work's done for you - the catering, the wine, the beer."

Michael Unwin said this was a great way for businesses to work together and support each other in easing out of restrictions. Mr Unwin said it was important people could find a way to celebrate safely, particularly with tight restrictions on private properties, like farms, and indoor dining.

The Forge, Red Duck Brewery and Michael Unwin Wines are also working with City of Ballarat in a bid to host outdoor lunches and dinner at The Precinct.

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