The years of hard work of the committee and supporters of Save Civic Hall were recognised last night when we received a National Trust Ballarat Heritage Award for Communicating, Promoting & Celebrating Heritage.

We were taken by surprise by the nomination and shortlisting. Our presentation to the judges included organisation of forums, exhibitions, fundraisers, celebrations, and gaining 2,000 objections to Council’s proposed demolition of the hall in 2013.

Currently the main section of the Civic Hall is at last being restored as a multi purpose venue, and should be open by the end of the year.

Save Civic Hall has indeed saved (most of) the hall. Read on for the not so good news …

And the bad news is ..

At a meeting earlier in the day Development Victoria confirmed that it has always intended to demolish the Lower Hall to build its “Gov Hub” adjacent to the Civic Hall. Even more shockingly, it will sell off the Gov Hub as soon as it is finished in 2020.
So Ballarat loses a much-needed 400-seat hall, and then loses the Gov Hub building to a developer! As at the heritage Ballarat Railway Station local amenities are being lost forever to create revenue for the State Government. Greed at its worst!