The landmark GovHub in the heart of Ballarat continues to take shape, with the marking of the building’s frame being completed.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today joined Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford to visit the site to celebrate the completion of the $100 million building’s timber structure with a topping out ceremony.

The next stage in the project will be completion of the building’s façade and the beginning of the internal fit out.

The new GovHub will revitalise Ballarat’s CBD when it opens in early 2021, providing employment for to up to 1,000 workers from government agencies including the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Department of Education and Training, Department of Justice and Community Safety, State Revenue Office, VicRoads and Service Victoria.

This includes 600 new and relocated Victorian public service positions from Melbourne to Ballarat.

The Victorian Government has invested an additional $50 million to support the relocation of Victorian public service positions to Ballarat.

The project has already been providing employment opportunities for locals during construction with the creation of 500 jobs. More than 60 local and regional suppliers from Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong have been contracted for crane management, building supplies, hydraulics, electrical, engineering and waste removal.

Development Victoria will shortly open an expression of interest process for local artists to commission artwork for the new GovHub. The artwork will be displayed on the ground floor, providing a welcome greeting for visitors and reflecting Ballarat’s rich history and identity.

The GovHub project is part of the Victorian Government’s $138 million transformation of Mair St and the surrounding CBD area, designed to be a vibrant, accessible and connected community hub celebrating Ballarat’s heritage and future.

Other key projects under development include the Ballarat Station Precinct development, Mair St upgrade works and the Craft Beer Centre of Excellence. All projects are expected to be completed by next year.

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“It’s exciting to see work progressing on the GovHub project which has created hundreds of local construction jobs, utilising local labour and materials wherever possible.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This project is part of the transformation of the city, which is driving growth and employment right in the heart of Ballarat, making our region an even better place to live, work and invest.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford

“We’re getting on with delivering major projects for Ballarat – creating jobs, building business confidence and driving huge economic growth in the city.”