Photography by Dianna Snape.

Funded jointly by the Commonwealth Government of Australia through the Health and Hospitals Fund, the new Ballarat Community Health Lucas facility creates a new approach to delivering quality and affordable healthcare to Ballarat and the broader district community.

The facility has been designed to provide a community focussed building where people can gather in a central landscaped spine to access a full range of services in a comfortable environment. The use of internal gardens, natural light and fresh air promotes a whole of life health approach.

The new facility is home to a full suite of services including general practice, sexual health and podiatry clinics, multi-functional consultation rooms accommodating a full range of health and wellbeing services as well as a gymnasium, conference and meeting rooms, an independent café and office facilities for over 100 staff.

Architectural firm DesignInc designed the building using sustainable materials, solar heating and water
tanks. Every room has access to natural light, and the stairs have been designed to act as seating for
theatre or community events.