New Community Hub in the heart of Ballarat

28/12/2023

Construction work has started to create a new community hub in the heart of Ballarat to assist not-for-profit service providers.

The 1800s Chatham House building in Lydiard Street South will be completely renovated and refurbished supported by a $1 million investment from the Victorian Government.

The project will provide modern, accessible working spaces, offices, and meeting rooms to be used by not-for-profit service providers.

The building’s facade will also get a refresh with the entrance to become fully accessible, which means multiple support organisations can work together under one roof. The upgraded space will also host charities and volunteers to come together for education and development.

Before the Ballarat Foundation purchased the building in 2018, Chatham House had several owners.

The Ballarat Foundation was formed by United Way Ballarat 35 years ago with the vision of a community without disadvantage and where everyone was empowered to prosper.

In 2019, the two organisations merged into a single entity that now supports and funds local initiatives and charities that help more than 200,000 people in the region.

Support provided ranges from arranging work experience, school activities and back to school vouchers, community health, learning to drive programs, food initiatives, Aboriginal development programs, and free library books.