When the Mair Street side of the Ballarat station is redeveloped, most residents are prioritising better integration with the heritage buildings around it, and improving disability access.
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These are the key points from the first week of public consultation on the Ballarat station southside master plan project, with 75 submissions on an interactive map as of Friday afternoon.
The Victorian Planning Authority is also holding two in-person consultation sessions on February 17, at the station from 9.30am, and at the Bridge Mall at 2pm.
Planners have also met with key stakeholders and groups, including Save Our Station and the Committee for Ballarat, for input into the project.
The aim is to present options for a master plan for the precinct's future, in partnership with the City of Ballarat and VicTrack - the area in question stretches from the southern entrance to the station, including the regional bus interchange, down Lydiard Street to Mair Street, then across to Peel Street.
Conserving the area's heritage value has been repeatedly stated as a key priority for the master plan, though it will also examine how to better integrate the precinct back into Mair Street, and potentially develop it into a new commercial or residential area.
That reintegration was the most commonly-mentioned idea on the interactive map, either through improving pedestrian access from Mair Street or clearing a view so the station building can be more easily seen from the CBD.
Several people suggested creating a grander entrance for commuters, adding a plaza or redeveloping existing station sheds into cafes, pubs, or a market.
There were suggestions for keeping and for removing the current regional bus interchange, which will need to be addressed as part of a heritage permit requirement by the end of 2022.
Improving disability access to the station was another idea discussed several times - right now, a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid trying to get from one side of the station to the other will have to go around the platforms at the Lydiard Street crossing, which closes when a train is approaching.
The Lydiard Street crossing was also mentioned several times - while there were at least four calls to retain the heritage gates which were destroyed in May last year, closing the street to traffic since, there were three suggestions to permanently close Lydiard Street to traffic.
"Rebuild the gates permanently closed over the roads, and put in a nice sitting area (and) set of plaques/boards covering the history of Ballarat's railroads," a suggestion read.
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The idea of putting apartment buildings along Mair Street also received feedback, with several people supporting the idea.
There were also at least five mentions of improving bike paths and access to the station, particularly from Mair Street - a bike path along Mair Street was promised as part of its redevelopment, but was eventually dropped from plans.
The project is being fast-tracked by the state government - this first round of consulation closes on February 22, with planning approval expected by the end of the year.
The VPA was phoned for comment.
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