$100m Ballarat GovHub building to begin construction in late 2018

Construction is set to commence by the end of 2018 on Ballarat’s $100 million GovHub building, with the project given the green light for development this week. The delivery of this project is expected to support local jobs and economic growth in the region.

“The GovHub building is now another step closer with planning approvals in place and construction to start later this year,” Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight said.

The project is located at the heart of the Ballarat CBD and the new building is set to transform the Civic Hall site, which will house up to 1,000 government employees once it is completed. The Victorian Government has also invested approximately $47.8 million for the GovHub project.

Artist impression (source: The Courier)

The final project design includes a large ground floor space that incorporates similar masonry and brick materials used on the iconic Civic Hall. GovHub will also feature a multi-purpose space at the reconstructed lower hall, a glass conservatory that links the Civic Hall to GovHub as well as five storeys of office space and a basement car park.

Community feedback – gathered from the community consultation late last year – recognises the vital community and cultural significance of the existing Civic Hall and library located within the city, and it is considered in the final design of GovHub – which was designed by Melbourne-based John Wardle Architects.

“The project will breathe new life into Ballarat’s CBD, diversify the range of jobs on offer and help provide career pathways for locals, while attracting more people to live in regional Victoria,” Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said.

Artist impression (source: The Courier)

To facilitate the development of GovHub, the Ballarat Planning Scheme has been amended to enable the Minister for Planning to take responsibility of the land that is set to be redeveloped.

In addition, approximately 290 car parks have already been identified to offset the loss of parking spaces on-site. This is part of the $2 million Ballarat Car Parking Strategy that is set to deliver 1,000 new car parks in the city.

Initial works on the project are expected to begin in September of this year, with the new building completed by 2020.

What are your thoughts on this project? Let us know in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Felix Project News to receive the latest industry news and project updates straight to your inbox.

Source: Premier of Victoria, The Courier