Ballarat City Council will encourage the reuse of upper levels of existing buildings in the CBD after adopting guidelines for the Ballarat Upper Level Reuse Project at their meeting on Wednesday night.

Councillor Samantha McIntosh said the project would aim to find uses for these wasted resources which could be used to accommodate CBD growth.

“We hope that the project will help to add some vibrancy and new life to these beautiful historic buildings”.

Councillor McIntosh said upper level reuse was a popular trend at the moment, with examples popping up worldwide.

“The Theatre of Marcellus is older than the Colosseum itself, having been built in 11 BC. It now has some of Rome’s most luxurious apartments located on its upper level”. 

“The spectacular heritage buildings of Ballarat are very different to the ancient relics of Rome but it just goes to show that buildings are never too old to be reinvigorated”.

“The project will play a vital role in revitalising the CBD through the restoration of older buildings, providing diversity in living and working choices in the city centre and increasing the level of activity within the CBD”.

Three key documents will be available as part of the project:

• A technical report presenting research used to inform the preparation of the guidelines and recommendations;
• A promotional brochure to guide members of the community considering undertaking a reuse project; and
• Guidelines to provide more detailed information to those seriously considering undertaking a reuse project.

As part of the recommendation to Council, a set of key directions was also adopted including commitments to provide design advice, free heritage advisory advice, heritage loans for restoration of heritage facades and a streamlined permit approval process for upper level projects.

The project is a key part of the City’s CBD Strategy, adopted in May 2010.