The massive project has transformed the heritage bluestone shed, which has been empty for years, into two huge spaces - one a conference centre, with meeting and function rooms, a theatrette, and bar with commercial kitchen, and a new food hall with boutique offerings.

While the conference centre will be open before February, the food hall is set to be ready to go by May, according to developer Nando Pellicano.

"We'll be looking to start fitouts in February," he said, touring the almost-complete building.

As well as Boom-Time Dumplings, the all-day restaurant opening on the north-eastern corner will be named Nolan's, after nearby Nolan Street.

Melbourne-based Atlantic Group will operate both outlets, with talks continuing for a gin distillery and brewery in the space.

Atlantic Group chief executive Hatem Saleh said the conference centre, on the western side, will have space for more than 700 people, in distinct areas.

"There are spaces that we can break down for conferences, similarly, people can come in, there could be an event here but they can go past into the theatre or other spaces," he said.

"We're very excited, Ballarat hasn't got anything remotely like this, with the charm of the heritage and old world, that brings together modernism as well."

Outside, a new public plaza will soon open, with a concrete auditorium behind the theatrette.

Separate to the Goods Shed works, the new local bus interchange is expected to be operating in December, while planning work is ongoing on the station's south side master plan.

The Lydiard Street level crossing has reopened to traffic, but there is no word yet on when the rest of the station will be redeveloped to improve access for people with a disability.

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