Participatory Community Design process In August 2014, the City of Ballarat made a commitment to introduce a participatory design process for the Civic Hall Site. This centrally located site holds immense value and great potential in both socio-cultural and economic terms. It has excellent CBD proximity and transport links. Here Studio, local Ballarat-based architects, was appointed to manage the process of participatory design and in November 2014, the Foyer became host to the ‘Open Door Studio’.

The Participatory Community Design Process is an opportunity to bring together key stakeholders to co-design the Civic Hall Site. The process will both gather and synthesise ideas. It will develop well-considered concept designs in three stages, from 300 to 10, "10 to 5" and finally "5 to 3" concepts. Where is the process currently at? The scope of phase two, from "10 to 5", was endorsed by Council on 8 July. Five Masterplans are expected to go to Council in October.

The 10 designs are currently available to view and residents are encouraged to have their say and get involved: Online: www.civichallsite.org www.ballarat.vic.gov.au facebook.com/ballaratcivichallsite Twitter @ civichallsite

In person: Visit the Open Door Studio: Tuesday, 9am to 5pm Thursday, 12 to 7pm First Saturday of every month, 10am to 1pm