Controversy rages on over state government’s Ballarat Railway Station accessibility plans

A post by Premier Jacinta Allan has fanned debate about planned works at Ballarat’s train station, with some calling the designs “repulsive”.

A render of final designs for accessibility additions to Ballarat Railway Station.

Six months on from the unveiling of major accessibility works to be carried out at Ballarat Railway Station and a furore rages on about the $50m plan’s potential impact on the heritage site.

Designs were initially revealed in June for the state government’s addition of a pedestrian overpass and lift, new ramp and stairs, and lighting improvements at the station on Lydiard St – opened in 1862 – to address longstanding complaints about wheelchair access across the tracks.

After seeking public feedback, Engage Victoria received 734 survey responses, 40 people attending in-person sessions, and 50 commuters stopping at Ballarat Station pop-ups – as well as online and social media engagement with the project.

Just over half of the survey respondents said they lived within the Ballarat LGA, and about the same percentage said they caught the train to or from the station.

The top two indicated areas of importance – heritage and an accessible overpass – represented the main conflict about the plans overall: how to abide by the federal Disability Discrimination Act and provide proper wheelchair access while respecting the site’s 1860s architecture and character.

Artist's impression of the overpass and clock tower looking west.

“You told us that you would like the designs to better reflect the heritage of the precinct,” Engage Victoria’s engagement survey, released in November, said.

“Many of these comments requested a unique design for the overpass at Ballarat Station, with a heritage look to differentiate it from other overpasses built at nearby stations.

“Others questioned whether the external built structures could look less modern.

“Some people told us they didn’t want the new structures to interrupt views of the existing buildings.”

It went on: “You told us you agree that accessibility improvements at Ballarat Station are important.

“Some of you stated that you would like to see additional accessibility improvements delivered at Ballarat Station.”

Ballarat’s council even sent a letter to Heritage Victoria in July seeking changes to the design and further information about the works.

“The pedestrian overpass and accessibility infrastructure are considered utilitarian, severe, and unnecessarily ‘bulky’ in form,” the letter said.

“The design and materiality do not positively contribute to the historic details of the station building, particularly the significance of the station’s arch as viewed from the eastern approach.”

The plans include the installation of a pedestrian overpass with a passenger lift and stairs to both platforms.

On December 12, final designs were announced, boasting reduced "visual impacts” of the a lowered overpass, balconies added for views of the historical station, a colour palette change to resist discolouration, a stairwell referencing existing trusses inside the station, and bluestone tiles and a wooden swing door at the northern entrance.

Heritage Victoria has endorsed the revised designs, meaning there are no heritage-related roadblocks ahead for the project.

But the alterations have far from met universal approval.

Western Victoria MP Joe McCracken said the designs were “ugly beyond belief” and has called for them to be scrapped.

“This part of Ballarat in particular is known for its beautiful heritage streetscapes,” he said.

“In fact, it’s arguably one of the best streets in the state in terms of architecture.

“It appears the government has just forged ahead without listening. I expect the community will be angry with these designs too.”

On the other hand, Wendouree MP Juliana Addison said the revised plans struck the right balance between human rights and the character of the precinct, the station being “one of our most important and significant landmarks”.

She said she was pleased with the “minimised visual impact” of the approved designs, which were “fit for 21st century disability access as well as being sympathetic to our very beautiful 1862 train hall as well as our 1890s clock tower side”.

On Tuesday evening, premier Jacinta Allan took to Facebook to advertise the project – and while many hundreds left ‘likes’ on the post, even more reacted with negative comments.

One person wrote: “The beautiful station needs to keep its historic appearance and provide accessibility.

“This design is hideous and doesn’t meet accessibility needs.

“Don’t destroy heritage.”

Someone else called it “repulsive” and another said the additions were “much needed” but that the designs left something to be desired.

An information session was held at the Victorian Railways Institute Hall on December 17 about the station plans, with another scheduled for January 20, 2025.