Sovereign Hill unveils 20-year vision

ON the eve of its half-century anniversary, a master plan for Sovereign Hill though to 2040 has been unveiled and phase one of the project launched.

In consultation with a group of experts led by Grimshaw, the not-for-profit’s master plan hopes to expand the organisation’s offerings, and by 2040 grow visitation from 527,000 to 1.4 million a year.

Aiming to create 1230 jobs in the region and inject over $200 million into the economy, phase one of the plan involves the launch of a national Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, and is set for completion in 2022.

Hosting intensive workshops and educational courses, CRAFT will be dedicated to passing down knowledge of near-extinct trades involving leather, metal, wood and textiles.

Sovereign Hill’s CEO Sara Quon said these rare trades are an integral part of the story behind the museum.

“CRAFT is an important opportunity to collaborate with more makers from our local community, across Australia and the world to share these important skills and ensure their continuation,” she said.

“We will open phase one in 18 months’ time which includes not only CRAFT, but also the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections.

“COVID-19 has absolutely reinforced Sovereign Hill’s knowledge that the master plan is more important than ever… this will help us towards our COVID recovery.”

Funding for the master plan is coming via a $10.1 million grant from the Federal Government’s Tourism Icons program.

Among the site’s staff, board members and stake holders present at the launch of the plan on Friday, was Senator Sarah Henderson.

“Sovereign Hill has a special place in the hearts and minds of Victorians who share fond memories of visiting this iconic attraction and I am delighted that the Morrison Government is recognising its importance,” she said.

“The $10.1 million grant will provide $1 million to the master plan and $9.1 million towards capital works which I am told are shovel ready.”

In addition to CRAFT, phase one of the master plan will also see the construction of the Gold Pavilion and the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections that will house a wide range of exhibition spaces at the entry of the park.

In preparation for the works, Sovereign Hill board president Craig Fletcher said the team are eager to roll up their sleeves and get working straight away.

“The funding we have received will enable Sovereign Hill to commence this great program of work so that we do deliver for Ballarat, for Victoria and across the nation,” he said.

“We have had a thorough consultative process, the development of it has been long, arduous, debated, considered, reflected upon and now delivered.

“Celebrating our previous 50 years and the generations that have come to visit us by launching this plan sets us up to ensure the next 50 is just as strong.”