The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to create 1,000 free car parks for Ballarat locals, with works set to begin on three sites across the city.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today visited Market Street, which is one of the three sites to undergo construction of new car parks, expected to be complete by mid next year.

The Market Street site is located nearby the recently-opened GovHub and will contribute to an estimated 100 additional free carparks for the Ballarat community, in combination with two other selected locations at White Flat Oval and Eastern Oval.

Ballarat locals and businesses will also have an opportunity to have their say on another four sites with feasibility testing to take place, delivering 1,000 free car parks for locals.

This is on top of the almost 1,000 car park spaces the Andrews Labor Government has delivered over the past two years as part of major projects and redevelopments in Ballarat, including the Ballarat Station precinct and Ballarat GovHub.

The project is being funded through the Labor Government’s Regional Car Parks Fund, which is also creating free car parks in the Latrobe Valley.

Four sites have been selected for detailed assessment after investigations by Regional Development Victoria in partnership with the City of Ballarat and Ballarat Health Services, which determined areas within and outside the CBD experiencing the most parking pressures.

Shortlisted sites also include:

• up to 400 new free spaces to make life easier for patients and visitors as an extension to Ballarat Base Hospital’s Mair Street multi-level car park
• up to 300 multi-level spaces at Anderson Street West, south of the Grenville and Dana Street roundabout
• up to 300 multi-level spaces on the Armstrong Street side of Federation University’s School of Mines Ballarat campus
• up to 300 multi-level spaces in a major staged upgrade of the Little Bridge Street Bakery Hill precinct.

To provide feedback on the proposed sites, including the Market Street redevelopment, visit engage.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas

“We are revitalizing the Ballarat CBD by providing more free car parking for locals and visitors – making this bustling city an even better place to live, work and invest.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“More car parking spaces will make the day that little bit smoother for all locals, including those visiting loved ones in hospital, and we are really proud to support our Ballarat community.”