Works to transform the historic Ballarat station precinct into a hub for visitors and locals are set to be completed next year.
The $28-million Goods Shed Convention Centre – which will include a 240-person event space, theatre, meeting rooms and space for cafes and restaurants – was partially unveiled today.
But the project has been drawing criticism over accessibility and heritage issues and sections of the community are angry more is not being done to address the concerns.
One in five people in Australia are living with disability, according to Grampians Disability Advocacy executive officer Deborah Verdon.
"Despite our best efforts and attempts to discuss the issue with local members of parliament and Department of Transport officials, there is just no advancement on response to our requests for improved disability access," she said.
She added there were "quite a few issues" at the station terminal, particularly the lack of ramp access from platform one to platform two because of a heritage bridge crossing the tracks.
It means those who cannot use stairs are forced to use the pedestrian crossing parallel to Lydiard Street, creating risks with exposure to rain, heat, or oncoming vehicles.
"It's not really acceptable in this day and age," Ms Verdon said.
"You cannot get off the train without the use of a temporary ramp, which has to be adjusted by a conductor or somebody from V/Line.
"There is no independent way to get off the train.
'More to do', but refurbishment praised
The state government said it had made significant improvements to accessibility at the station but conceded there was "more to do".
A spokesperson said the government would "continue to work with operators and the community to ensure the precinct is safe and accessible for all Victorians".
Heritage advocacy group Save Our Station said there could have been more consultation, but praised the work that had been done.
"Originally we had hoped for the Goods Shed to become the bus depot," president Gerald Jenzen said.
"We have spoken on various times to our local member … but the plans were set in concrete … and there were no other negotiations after that.
"But they've done a good job from what we can see of the exterior of the building.
Goods Shed project development manager Andrew Devlin said painstaking work to ensure the heritage aspects of the building was kept intact, including old signage, timber beams, and the original doors.
"It's been a key component of the beautifully refurbished Goods Shed," Mr Devlin said.
"Pretty much all the timber throughout had to be either replaced or refurbished and it ties into the heritage element of the building."
