Open House Ballarat to highlight the region’s best architecture

Open House Ballarat Interior of Regent MultiplexBallarat’s best architecture and significant buildings are set to open for public viewing this weekend as the highly popular Open House Melbourne (OHM) extends its program of events to the region.

Twenty-one buildings, both contemporary and heritage, will throw open their doors to the public for Victoria’s first regional Open House experience. Attendees will enter buildings that are usually not accessible to the public, including impressive residential homes and significant Ballarat buildings. Highlights in this year’s inaugural Open House Ballarat program include:

• Ballarat Central Uniting Church with organ performances and a country market;
• Mars Stadium – a $21.9 million multipurpose facility and Australia’s leading regional sports stadium, meet some of the players from Greater Western Victoria Rebels;
• Ballarat Integrated Regional Cancer Centre – a patient-focused facility designed to reduce the physical and emotional strain of cancer treatment for patients and their families;
• Regent Multiplex – view the theatre’s historical features; and
• Art Gallery of Ballarat – take a gallery architectural development tour or view the Romancing the Skull exhibition.

“Not only is Open House an opportunity to celebrate the city’s rich history, it’s also an opportunity to consider how design will positively shape the future of Ballarat,” says Open House Melbourne Executive Director Emma Telfer. “By visiting significant heritage buildings and sites that illustrate new architecture across the city, people learn about how the built environment and urban planning initiatives influence our culture and shape our future.”

The Open House model, first started in London 25 years ago, facilitates opportunities for a city’s inhabitants to directly experience how well-designed cities can improve their lives, by opening examples of architectural excellence to the public. These experiences stimulate dialogue about architecture and learning, which empowers people to advocate for a well-designed built environment.

Open House Ballarat will be held on Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October 2017: 10.00am – 4.00pm. For more information, visit: www.openhouseballarat.org for details.

Image: Interior of the Regent Multiplex (supplied)