Ballarat Entertainment Precinct Builders Announced

Ballarat’s transport and tourism infrastructure transformation is moving ahead with final designs revealed for the heritage-listed station’s modernisation and a major contractor appointed for the city’s events precinct development.

The Victorian Government’s station upgrade focuses on accessibility improvements while preserving the site’s 160-year heritage.

The project features a new pedestrian overpass with lifts and stairs at both platforms, as well as a revamped northern entrance.

Community feedback has shaped the final designs, resulting in modifications including a reduced overpass height and the addition of viewing balconies offering perspectives of the historic station buildings.

Transport infrastructure minister Danny Pearson said the government had “worked closely with the local community to refine the designs to protect the historical significance of Ballarat Station without compromising accessibility”.

The station development builds upon recent transport improvements that have delivered an additional 135 weekly services, with trains now running every 20 minutes during peak times.

Construction is scheduled to begin early next year ahead of completion expected in 2026.

The development complements recent precinct investments, including a multi-deck carpark completed in 2019 and a bus interchange opened in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Victorian-based Kane Construction and Nicholson Construction joint venture has been selected for the city entertainment precinct transformation.

It includes expanding Mars Stadium’s permanent seating capacity to 10,000 people, and developing a new athletics track and pavilion at the former Ballarat Showgrounds site.

The combined projects aim to improve transport accessibility and enhance sporting facilities likely to drive increased visitation and regional economic activity.

The developments align with broader regional growth strategies and could spur further investment in Ballarat’s commercial and residential sectors, government documents said.

Construction at Mars Stadium is also scheduled to begin early next year.

Ballarat Mayor Tracey Hargreaves said the precinct developments would enhance the city’s capability to attract larger and more diverse events.

Development Victoria in September announced plans to deliver 160 homes at Bendigo on the site slated for the cancelled Commonwealth Games athletes’ village. The 8.32ha site at Flora Hill is 130km north-west of Melbourne and 2.5km from the Bendigo CBD.

Also in September, Ballarat-based Integra Group announced plans to develop 550 homes, a wetlands area and two neighbourhood parks at the 44ha former Angus beef cattle farm on the Glenelg Highway—one of the last large-scale properties in the designated Ballarat West Growth Zone.