BLX History
The concept of the Ballarat Learning Exchange originated with the Victorian Governments pledge for a $5m VET Skills Centre in Ballarat called the Ballarat Learning Exchange when in opposition in 1999 by the then opposition leader Mr Steve Bracks.
1999
$5 million allocation for “a new $5 million comprehensive Vocational Education and Training centre to built in the centre of Ballarat” announced in late 1999.
2000
18 May 2000 first meeting of what was to become the consortium convened by Member for Ballarat East, Mr Geoff Howard. Agreement to form a consortium of providers and to develop a submission to initiate access to funding. Submission developed by end of May 2000. Submission did not detail the nature of facility development required but did set broad objectives.
Mid 2000 funding sought and gained to employ consultant to assess vocational education and training needs in terms of programs and facilities in order to inform the development of the concept. Report presented to consortium in December 2000.
2001
First half of 2001 spent consulting on and determining the nature and purpose and components of any facility development. Agreement reached on the major components of the Exchange in mid 2001.
Mid 2001- commenced the search for suitable and available sites and the development of draft specifications for building and technology requirements. This involved a number of consultations with representatives from potential provider organisations. Draft building specifications agreed .
2002
Early 2002 - BSA- Sinclair Knight Meertz appointed to assess suitability of four potential sites.
March 2002, consortium approves 36 Camp St site and the rear portion of the building fronting Field St as preferred site for further study after receiving SKM report.
June 2002 consortium receives report from SKM that purchase and development of preferred site would exceed budget available. Consortium agrees that Field St section should be excised from the development if budget did not allow.
Purchase of 36 Camp St and basketball and squash courts to rear.
August 2002 - Bligh Voller Nield appointed as architects for the project.
December 2002 - Initial design concept presented to consortium.
2003
Early 2003 –refinement of concept to accommodate feedback from consortium.
April 2003 – concept design approved as basis for tender documentation.
May - June 2003 – tender documentation developed and development of BLX Business Plan
Mid July 2003 - tenders called.
8 August 2003 – tenders close.
Late September – contract awarded to H. Troon
Late November – construction commences.
2004
February - Appointment of Mark Kennedy as Interim BLX Manager
As of end of March, 2004, building progress on schedule for completion by end of July, 2004.
August – BLX Logo launched
September – Construction completed and building occupied by HLLEN and BLX Manager.
General purpose classrooms and IT rooms fitted out and furnished
2005
January – Public tender let for studio fit out and equipment
February - Multimedia room, skills classroom and skills office fitted out and furnished
May – studio completed
June – Skills Warehouse fit out completed,
August – Centre officially opened by the Hon Lynne Kosky, Minister for Education & Training”
