A Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) is a strategic planning document that outlines the long-term vision for the development and land use of a specific area or activity centre. It provides a framework to guide the location of housing, employment, community facilities, transport networks, and open space.

PSPs aim to create vibrant, liveable, and sustainable communities that support population growth and attract business investment. They do this by coordinating the design and delivery of key elements such as buildings, public spaces, transport access, and the mix of activities within the precinct.

The PSP will focus on improving how the area connects with surrounding neighbourhoods and green spaces like Victoria Park. It will explore improvements to the La Trobe Street streetscape including better walking and cycling paths, landscaping, formalised car parking, public transport access and other public amenity.

The Plan will also look at how the precinct connects to nearby roads, parks and community facilities, with transport – especially walking, cycling and roads being a key focal point for investigation.

As part of this project, rezoning of land may be proposed allowing for more community-focused uses – such as health services, schools, shops and housing. Any proposed zoning changes will be accompanied by a community engagement before any final decisions are made.

If you live near the precinct, there will be no direct change to your property. However, as the precinct evolves over the next 20-30 years, you may notice some changes in the surrounding area.

Existing land use rights will apply to all businesses and residents currently within the precinct. No businesses will be forced to move out of the precinct.

The City of Ballarat is committed to supporting local businesses to be successful and will actively work with industry to achieve a positive outcome for the future. The precinct will remain a key employment hub for Ballarat providing ongoing employment and job opportunities. Future development in the area may include new opportunities for commercial and/or retail business to establish in the area.

The former Ballarat Saleyards are not owned by the City of Ballarat, instead they are owned by Development Victoria (State Government). No decisions have been made about future land uses for the Saleyards. Development Victoria have committed to remediation of the site to allow for the possibility of a changed future use.

The Precinct Structure Plan process is the vehicle to making informed decisions about the future land use of the subject area. How the Saleyard’s site is used in the future will be determined through this process, community engagement and collaboration with the landowner, currently Development Victoria.

You will have multiple opportunities over the life of the project to both have your say and influence the final form of the precinct structure plan. These opportunities will commence in 2026 and this MySay page which will provide project updates and advertise upcoming engagement opportunities.

City of Ballarat is committed to working collaboratively with Traditional Owners. This collaboration will form part of the basis of the draft PSP.

We recognise that the precinct has a vibrant history. Future development will be respectful of this past and will retain high value heritage assets. Heritage is one of our key focal areas in developing this PSP. Our technical reports in this area will be made available in future stages of engagement.

Work has commenced on the Ballarat Regional Animal Facility in Mitchell Park which will replace the existing Ballarat Animal Shelter. Construction of the new facility is anticipated as being completed in late 2026. Further information is available through the following link - Ballarat Regional Animal Facility | City of Ballarat. There are currently no plans to relocate the Transfer Station from Gillies Street however existing circumstances are regularly reviewed and new opportunities for the location of the Transfer Station may arise in the future.