Ballarat’s historic station precinct set to be transformed
Ballarat's station precinct is set to be transformed, following last week's announcement that the Pellicano Group has been awarded the rights to develop a new conference centre and hotel facility.
Premier Daniel Andrews last week joined Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford, Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to announce the winning team to build the $44 million project which seeks to kick-start the larger revitalisation of Ballarat’s historic station precinct and surrounding area.
The redeveloped precinct will feature:
- A modern 4.5 star 77 room hotel to be run by Quest.
- 1,700sqm conference centre, a 300-seat theatrette and a 300-seat banquet room within the Goods Shed.
- 900m2 of retail and dining options within the Goods Shed and a public plaza for community events.
- 420 car parks with 270 for commuters and 150 for hotel patrons, with scope for future expansion.
- The Spotless Group will operate the conference facilities under their EPICURE brand and will focus on building an events base including exhibitions, performances, weddings, conventions, community events and galas.
Ballarat has a proud history and bright future. This is about putting people first and bringing more people to this great city – creating jobs and making this historic precinct something locals can be proud of.
Premier Daniel Andrews
We think it’s a very strategic site near the train station, and the combination of a Quest hotel and convention centre run by Spotless was an attractive prospect. It made a lot of sense to invest in the project and we’ve got a long standing relationship with Quest, so that made us more comfortable. We are very confident (it will be successful). We’re basing it on our assumptions done via modelling and Quest already have an existing model as they have a[apartments ion Ballarat already.
Nando Pellicano, Director, Pellicano Group
The Victorian Government will be investing $25 million from its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Construction is expected to begin by mid-late 2017, however a completion date for the project has yet to be nominated. The project is expected to generate 140 jobs during construction and 30 ongoing jobs once completed. Construction will be staged in such a way to minimise disruptions to local residents and commuters.
The concept plans are available for viewing and comment at www.engage.vic.gov.au until 22 January 2017. The community is also invited to an open day on Saturday 3 December at Ballarat Library, from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.
