September 23rd, 2024Ballarat Base upgraded carpark now open for use
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney has officially opened Ballarat Base Hospital’s upgraded carpark earlier this month.
The works to expand the 24-hour lot sited on Mair Street, to eight levels took just shy of a year to complete.
Parking in the multi-level lot will be free of charge into the future.
The first building to be finished as part of the hospital redevelopment is expected to open at the end of the year.
Works on the main tower continue, and are expected to be complete by 2027.
Grampians Health executives and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison thanked hospital staff and the broader Ballarat community for their patience and cooperation while the carpark was closed.
“So excited to officially open the 400 car parks Grampians Health Ballarat Base Hospital with Minister for Regional Development Gayles Tierney MP,” Ms Addison said on social media following the official opening earlier this month.
Hospital staff had been encouraged to park at the City Oval, and either walk or take a courtesy bus to and from work, throughout the construction period.
“The City of Ballarat has been extremely supportive in allowing us to use the City Oval as our temporary car park along with neighbouring businesses who provided after hours parking for our on-call medical staff,” said Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser.
“We are extremely grateful for the community’s support. I would also like to thank our redevelopment team for helping to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure while minimising the impacts of construction and allowing the hospital to continue to operate.
”The upgrade was funded as part of the Regional Car Park program, and comes under the broader $655 million Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment.
“In addition to delivering new facilities and vital clinical capacity for the hospital, the Ballarat Base Hospital Redevelopment will address the critical need to improving access for staff, patients and visitors,” said Grampians Health chief redevelopment and infrastructure officer Veronica Furnier.
