Heritage Gaps Review Program
What is the Heritage Gaps Review Program?
The multiyear Heritage Gaps Review Program (HGRP) is a strategic planning initiative designed to protect and strengthen the conservation of Ballarat’s valued heritage assets – now and into the future.
Why are we undertaking this program?
Ballarat is growing rapidly. By 2041, the city’s population is expected to increase by around 55,000 people. With this growth comes added pressure on our heritage places. The HGRP is a proactive step to ensure our heritage is protected as the city evolves.
Why is this important?
There are many places across Ballarat with heritage significance that currently lack adequate protection. The HGRP will help ensure the Ballarat Planning Scheme has the right tools to conserve our heritage places, precincts, and streetscapes – while still allowing for thoughtful growth and development in the years ahead.
What does the HGRP involve?
Running from 2024 to 2030, the HGRP focuses on three key areas:
- Identifying and assessing new heritage places and precincts for inclusion in the Heritage Overlay
- Updating information and controls for existing heritage places and precincts already in the Heritage Overlay
- Reviewing and developing new heritage policies, provisions, and guidelines within the Ballarat Planning Scheme
These focus areas will be delivered through three major projects:
- Heritage Overlay Review
- Heritage Gaps Study
- Local Heritage Policy Review & New Heritage Guidelines
Learn more and get involved
- Visit MySay and keep an eye out for any open consultations
- Sign up to the Heritage Newsletter to keep up with the latest Heritage news happening in our community
- Send an email to heritageteam@ballarat.vic.gov.au
- Contact the Heritage Team at City of Ballarat via Customer Service on 5320 5500
Project timeline
2023-2024
Preparatory studies and background work to guide the Heritage Gaps Review Program.
2024
Conduct education and information-gathering sessions with heritage, history and community groups to inform and engage the wider community about the HGRP.
2025
Commencement of Stage 1 (Preliminary Assessments) as part of the ongoing Heritage Overlay Review and the Heritage Gaps Study projects.
Review the existing Local Heritage Policy and develop new Heritage Guidelines to enhance policy clarity and application.
2026
Commencement of Stage 2 (Heritage Assessments) as part of the ongoing Heritage Overlay Review and the Heritage Gaps Study projects.
Commence a Planning Scheme Amendment to adopt new Local Heritage Policy and accompanying Heritage Guidelines.
2027-2030
Implementation of the recommendations from the Heritage Assessments delivered through a multiyear, priority-based program of heritage studies and Planning Scheme Amendments.
