Build economic resilience for Ballarat’s tourism industry, businesses and community.
Funding of $25.3 million is sought to enable the delivery of Stage 1(b) of the Master Plan.
$13.8M Gold Pavilion entry (includes fit‐out of ‘Museum of Makers’ exhibition, education and arrival spaces)
$1.9M Major event facilities, called the Valley of Light, with permanent structures. Unique event location for Ballarat with great atmosphere and infrastructure reducing the barriers to entry for unique events
$2.8M New Museum experiences with a focus on storytelling through collections e.g. Eureka
$3.4M Welcome Precinct –car parking, landscape, interpretive and play elements around new entry building
$1.6M Education upgrades – renewal of existing ‘tired’ education centre to increase efficiency & capacity
Funding Stage 1 (b) at this time will ensure:
Momentum with the launch of the Master Plan continues
The shell of a new entry building (delivered by 2022/23 private sector as part of an hotel development) will not be left empty
Benefits to be delivered
1. Sustainable economic growth and diversification (50%)
This benefit will be evident through:
Increased business investment in regional communities
Increased economic impact and jobs creation in Victoria
Increased educational capacity at Sovereign Hill
Diversified revenue sources and demonstrable operational efficiencies
Increased and more diversified tourism visitation in Western Victoria
2. Prosperous, resilient and dynamic communities (25%)
This benefit will be evident through:
Growing meaningful and diverse volunteerism
Participation and partnerships within the community and business sector
Increased Sovereign Hill visitor yield
Job growth in Ballarat from Sovereign Hill activity
3. Improved response to climate change (10%)
This benefit will be evident through:
Increased range and impact of climate change initiatives
More people are engaged, informed and motivated
4. A more socially inclusive Victoria (15%)
Increased engagement with marginalised communities on and off site
Increased reach of the untold stories of marginalised communities
Bid Timelines: Several gate posts between now and May 2020. January site visit from Government. Construction Delivery Timelines: July 2022 to Dec 2023.