The City of Ballarat has secured a large slice of State government funding for two key CBD redevelopment projects that will stimulate jobs and economic growth for the City.
Council will receive a total of $130,000 from the Victorian Planning Authority’s Streamlining for Growth program – $90,000 to help plan for redevelopment around the Ballarat Railway Station – and $40,000 to support the development of an Urban Design Framework, Design Guidelines and Associated Planning Controls for the CBD.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said Council was delighted at the latest funding allocation, given the significance of the projects to accommodate Ballarat’s population growth and protect the character of Central Ballarat.
“This is a positive result for these two crucial projects.”
The funding amounts were less than Council sought, but Cr McIntosh acknowledged the huge number of grant submissions received under the Streamlining for Growth program, which provides grants and planning support for local town planning initiatives that result in new housing, jobs and infrastructure.
“This is a great start, and Council will continue to seek further funding opportunities through State and Federal governments to deliver these two Ballarat CBD projects,” she said.
More than half of the VPA’s $4million funding package will be distributed to Councils in Regional Victoria.
Ballarat Station Precinct South Side Master Plan and Re-Development: Funding will be used to develop Council’s plan for redevelopment of the precinct with major economic and jobs growth potential. This project will have a high level of impact as it unlocks key strategic sites in and around the railway station, generating commercial return.
CBD Urban Design Framework, Guidelines and Planning Controls: Funding will help Council to develop tools to manage character in Central Ballarat and the CBD to guide appropriate residential and commercial development that reinforces and strengthens the character and role of the central city area.
