Work on the Andrews Labor Government’s landmark Ballarat GovHub is progressing, with major demolition and excavation works underway.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today visited the site to inspect progress on the demolition of the Lower Hall and excavation works, meeting with the local construction team Kane and Nicholson and Ballarat-based McPherson Commercial Plumbing, who are delivering local construction jobs for the project.

McPherson is contracted to deliver all hydraulic plumbing works for the GovHub from the basement to the top of the fourth floor and has dedicated an additional six jobs to the project – increasing its workforce to 30 FTE staff while it continues to work on a number of other Ballarat projects.

There are more than 30 local and regional suppliers from Ballarat, Wendouree, Bendigo and Geelong who are contracted for crane management, building supplies, hydraulics and electrical, engineering and waste removal.

Construction of the GovHub will involve more than 350,000 work hours, creating 500 jobs across the construction team and designers John Wardle Architects. It will also provide training opportunities for nine apprentices.

While construction activities have been carefully planned to minimise noise and other disruption, work will continue to excavate the site now that demolition works are complete, and the site is fully cleared.

The northbound lane of Armstrong Street North has been closed between Mair Street and Market Street to allow for the movement of heavy vehicles in and out of the site.

Additional parking to offset the demolition of the on-site 275 space car park is also being made available thanks to a $2 million contribution from the Labor Government towards the City of Ballarat’s car parking strategy.

Development of the GovHub will transform the Ballarat CBD, creating a new precinct for up to 1000 Victorian Government employees alongside public spaces and a civic plaza that will boost the local economy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“It’s exciting to see work progressing on the GovHub project, with hundreds of local contractors hard at work transforming Civic Hall.”

“This project is part of the transformation of the city, which is driving growth and employment right in the heart of Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“On top of the 600 new government jobs relocating to Ballarat, the GovHub is creating hundreds of local construction jobs, as well as using proudly local labour and materials wherever possible.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

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