About the project

We are excited to share plans for the transformation of 57–63 Williamson Street in the heart of Bendigo’s City Centre. This site is set to become a vibrant, student accommodation facility offering 220 beds across a modern multi-storey building.

This redevelopment is part of our long-standing commitment to Bendigo, where the University has been delivering tertiary education for over 150 years. The new student accommodation in Bendigo City Centre aligns with La Trobe University’s Regional Growth and Innovation 2030 Strategy by improving accessibility, strengthening Bendigo’s identity as a university city, and driving economic and social development.

The new facility will provide students with a welcoming, inclusive place to live, study, and thrive—right in the centre of Bendigo’s bustling commercial, cultural, and entertainment precinct. The project is designed to:

• Offer students an alternative to on-campus living at Flora Hill.
• Support the City of Greater Bendigo’s vision to activate the urban core.

Guided by thoughtful architectural and urban design principles, the development will celebrate Bendigo’s rich heritage and cultural identity. In partnership with Djaara Traditional Owners, the design will respectfully reflect Indigenous culture and values, ensuring a meaningful connection to place.

This initiative builds on La Trobe’s significant investment in Bendigo—over $150 million to date—supporting world-class education and infrastructure that benefits both students and the wider community.

Governance and Community Partnership

The City of Greater Bendigo plays a vital role in the governance and planning of La Trobe University’s proposed student accommodation project in Bendigo’s City Centre. As part of the formal planning process, the City is responsible for reviewing and approving the development application, ensuring alignment with local urban design frameworks and strategic objectives.

La Trobe University is working closely with the City of Greater Bendigo during the early stages of this project. This includes preparing the town planning permit and coordinating public exhibition and consultation activities. In addition to this, La Trobe continues to seek review and feedback from their Regional Advisory Board. These steps are designed to ensure community feedback is heard early, promote transparency, and build trust in the development. The project supports the City’s vision to activate the CBD with high-quality, sustainable development that benefits Bendigo now and into the future.

A dedicated project governance structure has been established, including a steering group, to ensure that all activities meet Council expectations and community needs.