Construction will begin early next year on a new accommodation facility for La Trobe University students.
Planning approval has now been secured for the project, which is set to be built on Williamson Street in Bendigo’s CBD at a cost of “about $50 million”.
According to the University, its facility will have room for up to 220 beds, be built to a five-star green rating, and improve access to housing in the city.
La Trobe’s Chancellor and former Premier of Victoria, John Brumby said the project aims to deliver significant benefits for students and the wider community.
“This development is a major milestone for education in Bendigo and reflects our ongoing commitments to providing a high-quality student experience in regional Victoria,” he said in a statement.
“This is not just a university project; it’s an investment in Bendigo’s economic future. More students living in the heart of Bendigo will support local businesses and contribute to the city’s revitalisation.”
That appears to be the view of the city’s leaders too, with Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince, the council’s CEO Andrew Cooney, and Be.Bendigo CEO Hayley Tibbett among those present at a media event promoting the project on Thursday, July 2nd.
Photo supplied: La Trobe University
Details about the accommodation facility first came to light in February last year, with concept designs emerging in October.
Having now been approved, it will be constructed on 57-63 Williamson St, a site currently occupied by business supply store Bolton’s.
The company is expected to vacate the site in 2027, upon completion of its new Charleston Rd building.
That would then allow work to begin on the accommodation facility, which has an expected completion date of “late 2028”.
La Trobe first established a presence locally in 1991 through an affiliation with the Bendigo College of Advanced Education, with the two institutions amalgamating three years later.
Today, the University operates at three sites in the city: its main campus in Flora Hill, the Clinical Health School on Arnold St, and the Emporium Creative Hub on Mitchell St.
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