A vital project in Ballarat's west has taken a significant leap forward.
Tenders have opened for construction of the Alfredton Community Hub, to be located on Donegal Drive near the Djila-tjarriu open space.
The new purpose-built community facility will feature three preschool rooms, two community rooms, a meeting room, and associated staff facilities.
As identified in the Community Infrastructure Plan 2022-2037, the population in Ballarat's west is forecast to grow by 73 per cent from 2021-2036.
Other key growth forecasts from 2021-2036 include:
A 65% increase in births in Ballarat's west
A 157% increase in families with dependent children in Cardigan, Lucas and Bunkers Hill
A 36% increase in families with dependent children in Alfredton
A 408% increase in residential developments in Cardigan, Lucas and Bunkers Hill
City of Ballarat Councillor Peter Eddy said the rapid growth in population made projects like the Alfredton Community Hub extremely important.
"Our population really is growing out to the west of Ballarat so it is crucial we have projects like this to meet the demand," Cr Eddy said.
"As a Council, we can see the need is there right now to have community facilities like this.
"When complete it's going to be a great asset for the city and will complement the nearby Djila-tjarriu open space perfectly."
The City of Ballarat has $4.68 million in Developer Contributions earmarked for the new community and early years hub, with the State Government contributing an additional $2.25 million.
The City of Ballarat will fund the balance of the cost over the next two budget cycles.
Applications for tender will close on 14 December, 2022. Interested parties can download the documentation at eprocure.com.au/ballarat.
Ballarat City Council will award the contract and commence works as soon as possible once the contractor has been appointed, with the hope of opening the hub in 2024.
