The about $50 million development will deliver a sustainable 220-bed student accommodation facility at 57-63 Williamson Street. Built to a five-star green star rating, the project will improve access to housing while strengthening Bendigo's position as a growing university city.
The project marks a significant milestone for the University's Bendigo campus and reinforces its long-term commitment to continued investment in supporting students across regional Victoria.
La Trobe Chancellor, the Hon. John Brumby AO, 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," the Chancellor 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."
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the project 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," Professor Farrell said.
"This brings our total investment in education in Bendigo to $153 million over the past seven years, including a $50 million world-class centre for engineering and technology at the Floral Hill campus, a $21 million dentistry and oral health school on Arnold Street, and most recently $22 million to redevelop the nursing, midwifery and allied health facilities – all supporting the development of regional workforces for Victoria, especially in health, education and engineering.
"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."
The student accommodation project is supported by strong growth in the appeal of Bendigo by international students, which has increased from 3.3 per cent of student load in 2020 to 16.9 per cent this year.
While just over 78 per cent of our students staying in accommodation in Bendigo are Australian students, the growth in international enrolments has been a key driver underpinning demand for additional accommodation and enabling this investment.
The University is delighted to acknowledge the continued generosity and longstanding support of the Holsworth family in enabling this project.
Aligned with La Trobe's Regional Innovation and Growth Strategy and Bendigo's long-term vision, Bendigo 2050, the project will support economic growth, improve access to housing and strengthen the city's identity as a university hub with strong backing from government and local stakeholders.
"As our student community continues to grow, this investment will help ensure Bendigo continues to support students with the housing and infrastructure they need," Professor Farrell.
Construction will begin next year and is scheduled for completion in late 2028.
PHOTO 1: (L-R) La Trobe University Bendigo Regional Advisory Board (RAB) member Damian Wells (Coliban Water), RAB member Hayley Tibbett (Be.Bendigo), La Trobe Bendigo Head of Campus Marg O'Rourke, RAB Chair Marnie Baker, Andrew Cooney (City of Greater Bendigo), La Trobe Chancellor, the Hon. John Brumby AO, Thomas Prince (City of Greater Bendigo), La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell and Rebecca Phillips (Djaara).
PHOTO 2: Render of the Bendigo Student Accommodation project, which is subject to change.
Media Contact
Jess Garbutt - j.garbutt@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
