Heritage Ballarat Train Station now fit for wheelchair-access that suits the 21st century

Ballarat has updated their century-old train station to fit the times. More specifically, the heritage-listed train station now features an overpass and wheelchair-friendly lifts to improve accessibility. 

❓ What happened? The overpass opened to the public on March 30. It connects both platforms over the tracks, featuring wheelchair-accessible lifts. 

Before the installation, passengers with mobility needs had to physically leave the station and cross the road at the level crossing to switch platforms. 

Internal access was limited to a 19th century footbridge and staircase. This did not accommodate wheelchairs. 

🌇 The station’s story: Ballarat Station is 164-years-old, officially opening in April of 1862. The building is on the Victorian Heritage Register and is one of only three railway stations left from this era that still retains the original train shed. 

It’s an architecturally striking structure, with a clock-tower stretching into the sky and historic charm at every turn. 

Big money: The project to upgrade the station has cost approximately $51 million, with some local complaints about damaging the aesthetic value of the building. Petitions circled from residents calling for the project to be cancelled.

Prominent detractors of the project included Western Victorian MP Joe McCracken and shadow transport minister Matthew Guy. They criticised the design and cost of construction. 

Grampians Disability Advocacy have campaigned for this change for decades. It opens up multiple kinds of accessibility. 

"You don't have to have a disability to need to use that lift. You could have luggage, a pram. You could be helping someone who is injured. You could have an injury yourself," executive officer Peter Harrison said. 

👏 An accessible Ballarat: Next on the list is the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The building closed last year to begin renovations that would install similar wheelchair-accessible lifts, ensuring the facility can welcome all visitors no matter their mobility needs.