News Alert |

The City of Ballarat has welcomed a $10.1 million commitment from both the Federal Government and Opposition to a major redevelopment of Sovereign Hill announced today.

The Federal Government said the funding for the Beyond 50 project would pay for a masterplan and the first stage of a redevelopment, including improvements to the Gold Museum, an upgrade the entrance building, improved signage as well as enhancing the popular ‘digging area.

The Federal Opposition has said it would match the funding commitment if elected.

City of Ballarat Mayor Councillor Samantha McIntosh said ‘Sovereign Hill Beyond 50’ was one of six projects for which the city and key Ballarat organisations have advocated as part of the Ballarat Now and Into the Future campaign.    

“Sovereign Hill is Ballarat’s biggest tourism drawcard, attracting around 800,000 visitors a year, it is also a significant employer.”

“As we near Sovereign Hill’s 50th anniversary, this project is a ‘once in a generation’ major upgrade of this popular, multi-award-winning museum.”

“The funding will support an extensive upgrade of Sovereign Hill’s historical, entertainment and commercial products to better meet contemporary expectations of its visitors.”