A new medical centre and pharmacy is planned for a block of vacant land on the corner of Armstrong Street South and Grant Street.
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The plans are outlined in a new planning application lodged with the City of Ballarat, which include renderings of what the development may look like.
The proposed development would be two to three storeys at a well-known, busy four-way intersection that also includes Eyre Street.
The proposed medical centre building is described in planning documents as having "a contemporary design which retains and enhances the existing heritage character".
On one level there would be a chemist and a skin clinic, on another there would be a medical centre.
The application for the address at 205 Armstrong Street South is being put forward by Geelong based planning company Planit Consulting.
Under the plans, there would be a new crossover in Grant Street and on Armstrong street.
The application is for: "Development of a medical centre and pharmacy, display of business identification signage, part reduction of car requirement and alteration of access to Road Zone Category 1."
Constructing a commercial building on this site is consistent with the historic evidence that it has had commercial buildings on it since the 1870s.
- Planning heritage report
The cost of the development is given as $3m on the planning application form.
Sales history on real estate websites shows the land was sold last August for $540,800.
It was used most recently as a car yard, and before that there was a petrol station. According to the heritage report included with planning documents, a piano store was on the site in the 1870s but had been demolished by the 1920s.
The petrol station had disappeared by 2007, with the site shown vacant by the image captured that year for Google Street View.
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Currently the block is surrounded by a palisade fence, with the Federation University Tafe building immediately to the east of the proposed development on Grant Street.
A heritage report states: "Constructing a commercial building on this site is consistent with the historic evidence that it has had commercial buildings on it since the 1870s. A vacant site is contrary to the historic urban design and character of the precinct."
The ownership of the land and the planning applicant is recorded as a company called Planet Healthcare.
- The application is being advertised publicly. See eservices.ballarat.vic.gov.au/, PLP/2021/308.
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