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Ballarat CBD Urban Design Framework

The Ballarat CBD is rich in culture and heritage. On Wadawurrung Country, we interact every day with tens of thousands of years of continuous human history. This place holds deep community value and is a focus for new investment and development. The Urban Design Framework aims to balance new development with the protection of Ballarat CBD’s unique character.

  • Current Challenges facing the Ballarat CBD

    This project is being developed in response to below challenges:

    • Predicted, rapid population growth
    • Identified economic and environmental need to direct most new housing into existing urban areas, rather than continuing to expand outwards
    • State policy which has identified the Ballarat CBD as a focus for new housing and investment
    • For most of the CBD, there are insufficient planning controls and guidance for how new development should respond to the existing character and conditions.

  • What we've heard previously
    • Concern about the impact new development will have on the existing heritage character of the Ballarat CBD
    • Concern about the impact taller buildings could have on the CBD skyline
    • Concern about safety within the Ballarat CBD
    • Strong support for improvements to public space within the CBD (particularly green open space)
    • Strong support for improved movement and accessibility through the CBD with a focus on walking, cycling and alternative modes of transport

What we're seeking feedback on

Based on previous strategic work and community consultation, we are seeking to gauge current community sentiment before moving forward with the Urban Design Framework. The virtual walking tour below explores the issues and challenges being considered by the Urban Design Framework and summarises them into six key directions:

  • 1.

    General support for more housing and investment within the CBD.

  • 2.

    Providing clear built form controls and design guidance for how new development should interface with areas of heritage significance.

  • 3.

    Proposing a mandatory maximum building height for the “heritage core” of the CBD.

  • 4.

    Providing guidance on where taller buildings are more suitable and will have less impact on important views and heritage character.

  • 5.

    Encouraging well-designed buildings with active street frontages.

  • 6.

    Identifying better connections in the CBD, with a focus on walking, cycling and other sustainable modes of transport.

Virtual Walking Tour

This walking tour is an introduction to the issues influencing the UDF. Please explore the tour, videos and maps before completing the survey below.

Self-Guided Tour

Follow along while walking through the CBD.

Share Your Feedback:

Quick Poll

Which of these should be the highest priority for the future of the Ballarat CBD?

To keep up to date with the Ballart CBD Urban Design Framework project we encourage you to follow this page by clicking on the Follow button below.

What's been happening in long-term planning for the Ballarat CBD?

The City of Ballarat has conducted several strategic projects to help understand the current challenges and pressures for the Ballarat CBD.

  • Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Planning


    Initiated 2019
    Completed 2025

    The City of Ballarat and Corangamite CMA recently completed the Ballarat 11 Waterways Flood Study, covering the Yarrowee River and Gnarr Creek, which effect the Ballarat CBD. This project has now progressed to Planning Scheme Amendment.

    Find out more 

  • Ballarat Housing Strategy 2041



    Initiated 2020
    Adopted by Ballarat Council in 2024

    The strategy identified areas with capacity for gradual urban change, highlighting La Trobe Street, the Ballarat CBD, and Wendouree Station as key precincts for renewal.

    Find out more 

  • Ballarat Growth Areas Framework Plan


    Initiated 2022
    Adopted by Ballarat Council in 2024

    The Framework sequences undeveloped land for residential growth to support economic sustainability and strengthen the strategic case for development in the La Trobe Street Precinct.

    Find out more 

  • Heritage Program




    Initiated 2023
    In progress


    The multiyear Heritage Program is a strategic planning initiative designed to protect and strengthen the conservation of Ballarat’s valued heritage assets – now and into the future.

    Find out more 

  • Ballarat Industrial Land Strategy


    Initiated 2023
    In progress

    The Ballarat Industrial Lands Strategy is currently being prepared by the City of Ballarat and will identify suitable locations for future new industrial development.

    Find out more 

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Contact Us

Contact Information
Phone 5320 5500
Email info@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Website www.ballarat.vic.gov.au
In writing

The Phoenix
25 Armstrong Street South
Ballarat, Vic, Australia
Acknowledgment of Country

The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.