First look at concept designs

The Victorian Government has committed $50 million to upgrading Ballarat Station to improve accessibility, safety and connectivity for all public transport users, while maintaining the heritage of the station buildings.

Ballarat Station is one of Victoria’s most loved train stations and an important heritage asset. It not only has a rich history but is also a critical link on the modern transport network. With an average of 1750 people boarding a train at Ballarat Station each day, this number is expected to grow considerably in the coming years. The Ballarat Station Upgrade will play a key role in supporting the station now and into the future.

We’re building an accessible pedestrian overpass, with a passenger lift and stairs to each platform. We’re also improving access to the existing northern station entrance with a new ramp, handrails, stairs and automatic sliding doors.

We’ll also upgrade some platform lighting and tactiles, the raised ground markers that help people who are blind or have low vision navigate through the station.

These improvements will make it easier and safer for commuters to cross between the platforms and use the northern station entrance, closest to the bus interchange and multi-deck car park.

People with disability, and those carrying luggage or pushing a pram will no longer need to detour via the Lydiard Street level crossing to cross between platforms.

The Ballarat Station Upgrade will be complete in 2026.

View the concept designs and complete our survey

Learn how we’re improving accessibility and safety at Ballarat Station, ask us questions, and have your say on what’s important to you about the project. You can also let us know how you'd like to hear from us through the life of the project.

You can also find out about community information sessions by visiting our online engagement hub.

Surveys and questions must be received by 11.59pm Sunday 7 July 2024.

Project benefits

The accessible pedestrian overpass and improved access at the northern entrance provide a range of benefits:

• improved accessibility for people with disability and those with luggage or a pram
• improved connectivity between the station platforms, and other destinations in the station precinct
• limited impacts to existing heritage-listed station structures
• minimal disruption to commuters and nearby businesses during construction due to off-site construction of the overpass and lifts
• no reduction in usable space on the station platforms
• improved lighting on some areas of the platforms
• improved station navigation for people who are blind or have low vision
• complements recent investment and upgrades to the Ballarat Station precinct
• complements the existing architecture and heritage value of the station
• avoids major service relocation and disruption to utilities, signalling and telecommunications equipment.

How we determined the design

During the development phase of the project, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) considered potential options for the accessible rail crossing. Further technical investigations and design work have been undertaken, considering site constraints, accessibility requirements, the heritage value and existing architecture of the Ballarat Station precinct, to develop the best solution for the station.

Accessibility at Ballarat Station

The Victorian Government is committed to improving the commuter experience at Ballarat Station.

The project will deliver a new pedestrian overpass with an accessible lift and stairs to each platform. Some platform lighting and tactiles, the raised ground markers that help people who are blind or have low vision to navigate through the station, will be upgraded. A new ramp, handrails and stairs will be built at the northern station entrance.

This follows some recent accessibility improvements in the station precinct including:

• lowering of the tracks to reduce the level difference between the platform and trains on Platform 2
• installation of an automatic door at the cafe entrance on Platform 1
• installation of a push button door to the existing accessible toilet
• accessible parking upgrades.

Ballarat Station heritage

The heritage-listed Ballarat Station was built in 1864 and the train hall is one of 3 remaining 19th century great train halls in Australia.

The station precinct is included in the Victorian Heritage Register, and the LXRP project team will work closely with Heritage Victoria through the life of the project.

The Ballarat Station Upgrade works are subject to approval by Heritage Victoria.

Heritage Victoria is responsible for ensuring that change at a heritage place of state significance is managed appropriately so that its cultural heritage significance is protected for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

In considering a permit application Heritage Victoria will also consider the practical needs of the station.

Investing in Ballarat’s transport infrastructure

The $50 million Ballarat Station Upgrade will build on the Victorian Government’s recent investment in transport improvements for the station and the region, including:

• $600m Ballarat Line Upgrade
• $28.3m Ballarat Station Precinct Redevelopment
• $22.4m Ballarat Station Bus Interchange

The Ballarat Line Upgrade was completed in early 2021, delivering 135 extra weekly services across the project for Ballarat and growing communities along the line.

Trains now run every 20 minutes during peak periods and every 40 minutes during off-peak periods, on average. The project also delivered new and upgraded stations and better reliability.

Next steps

Visit our online engagement hub to view the designs, complete our community survey, ask a question, and register for an information session.

We'll hold in-person and online community information sessions over the coming weeks. The community survey will be open until 11.59pm Sunday 7 July 2024.

Project timeline

2023

• Site investigations and planning works

Mid 2024

• Concept designs released
• Community engagement

Late 2024

• Final designs released
• Further community engagement

2025

• Major construction

2026

• Pedestrian overpass opens
• Major construction complete

* Timeline subject to change.

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