FORMER BALLARAT STAR OFFICE SITE

The area is first mapped as allotment 17 and 18 of Section C in detail in the 1857 Revised Town Plan of Block A.B. C. D. The site was likely occupied prior as part of the first phase of the Ballarat Main Street development, due to its proximity to Ballarat West and the Gravel Pit alluvial fields. The site shows 1.5-2.0m of fill across the site, likely capping early gold rush deposits.  

The site is of historical and archaeological significance. 

The site is first mapped as Allotment 17 and 18 of Section C on the Revised Town Plan of Main Road (1857). It is likely that the site was occupied as early as 1854 and relates to the establishment and operation of Ballarat’s first commercial centre during the years of the Victorian gold rush. The site is likely to contain the archaeological remains of the former Star Office and watchmaker, established in 1855 and 1856 and both were operating until 1865, when frequent inundation and fire moved them out. The Star proprietors at the time where Waliss and Irwin, who were both witnesses to the burning of Bentley’s Eureka Hotel and were both respectable gentlemen associated with the Ballarat Reform League. The site is likely to contain the archaeological remains associated with the star office and the watchmakers, as well as associated deposits.