Student digs a windfall for idling city centre

LA Trobe University has been granted planning approval for its new central Bendigo student accommodation complex, which will be built on the current site of Bolton’s office supplies next to the Uniting Op Shop in Williamson Street.

The estimated $50m, 220-bed development will begin construction next year and is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

The planning approval comes at an ideal time for the university after the number of international students attending La Trobe Bendigo increased from 3.3 per cent of students in 2020 to 16.9 per cent this year.

La Trobe chancellor John Brumby said the project would 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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, a bullish La Trobe vice-chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the development reflected strong confidence in Bendigo as a leading regional education destination.

“Securing planning approval and moving forward with this development is a major step for La Trobe and Bendigo,” he said.

“This brings our total investment in education in Bendigo to $153m over the past seven years, including a $50m world-class centre for engineering and technology at the Floral Hill

campus, a $21m dentistry and oral health school on Arnold Street, and most recently $22m to redevelop the nursing, midwifery and allied health facilities.

“This project ensures our students have access to safe, modern accommodation that supports their success while strengthening the city as a destination to live, study and thrive.”