The Goods Shed project at the Ballarat train station will not open until February at the earliest, as Ballarat's continued lockdowns continue to bite.
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The multi-million dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed shed, part of a massive upgrade of the train station precinct, was originally set to open its conference centre and theatrette in partnership with operators Atlantic Group by November.
The second half, a high-end dining hall with a craft brewery and gin distillery, was set to open in February.
READ MORE: Your first look inside the new Goods Shed
According to developer Pellicano's managing director Nando Pellicano, works will take slightly longer than expected.
"It's true that the recent lockdowns state-wide and now this recent local lockdown has impacted the development and construction of the site," he said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, it looks more likely that The Goods Shed will open in February 2022, subject of course to any future restrictions and potential lockdowns.
"We have to wait a little longer than planned but we incredibly excited about the future and what the project will bring to Ballarat and the region."
Architects i2C promise a "warm" space that respects the heritage elements, including "salvaged artefacts", the original bluestones, and timbers in the roofing, custom-designed for the "foodie paradise".
"It was really important to keep the heritage aspects - like bluestone and timbers - top of mind when designing these spaces, and these add a real warmth as well," interior designer Kate Ellis said in a statement.
"Usability, of course, was a key focus for us when it came to the amenities, but at the same time, we wanted the attractive features to follow on to these purpose-driven spaces."
The Goods Shed is the next part of the station precinct upgrade, following the multi-deck commuter car park and Quest hotel at the site.
A new public plaza, including sculptures made from reclaimed rails and space for outdoor events like markets, is also part of the project.
On the other side of the station, a new local bus interchange is currently under construction to remove buses idling on Ararat Street
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A new access road will connect it to Nolan Street, with a new set of traffic lights to be built at the intersection.
Lydiard Street is expected to reopen to road traffic by October, with construction work under way to remove the heritage-style swing gates, install new signalling, and re-asphalt the road.
Lydiard Street has been closed since a train accident in May 2020.
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