Sovereign Hill’s 20 year master plan revealed

A major Ballarat tourist drawcard will be massively redeveloped, with a $10.1 million first phase including three showpiece centres.

Some of Soveriegn Hill’s team celebrate the arrival of the tourist attraction’s new masterplan. Picture: Alex Coppel

A bold plan to transform Sovereign Hill over the next two decades has been unveiled, injecting $1.5 billion into the Victorian economy and tripling visitors to the Ballarat tourist attraction.

The $10.1 million first phase of the ambitious redevelopment was revealed on Friday, ahead of Sovereign Hill’s 50th anniversary, and will be the first of four stages delivered between 2021 and 2030.

The showpieces stage one will be a Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, an Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections and a Gold Pavilion exhibition space.

Federal Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the upcoming 50th anniversary was an “amazing milestone” for the region.

“Sovereign Hill has a special place in the hearts and minds of Victorians who share fond memories of visiting this iconic attraction and I am delighted that the Morrison Government is recognising its importance by providing $10.1 million for the 20-year Master Plan,” she said.

Under the plan, 1,230 jobs will be created and annual visitor numbers are expected to swell from 527,000 to 1.4 million by 2040.

The number of international visitors is expected to grow to 387,700 by 2040.

The world’s third oldest Chinese Imperial Dragon will be among 150,000 collection items on display in the new Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections, to be housed in the redeveloped Gold Museum.

The Gold Pavilion will contain three separate exhibition areas showcasing the history and significance of the gold rush and its key figures, and offer tips on how best to explore Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill’s master plan comprises four phases. Picture: Supplied

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at historic leatherwork and textile skills in artisan-led workshops in the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades.

Sovereign Hill chief executive Sara Quon said the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades would work with makers in Ballarat and across Australia.

“As we implement this Master Plan over the coming years we will continue to work closely with our local community and stakeholders to ensure the full social and economic benefits are being achieved,” she said.

The Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades and the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections will be completed by mid-2022, and the Gold Pavilion by 2023.

Ballarat’s economy will be bolstered by $191 million and the number of days students spend at the museum will rise from 109,693 days to 277,200.