Major mixed-use development approved for High Street corridor as Bendigo's CBD enters new growth phase

Bendigo's central business district is set for a significant transformation after the city's planning authority approved a major mixed-use development that will reshape the High Street corridor between Pall Mall and Williamson Street.

The 12-storey project, which received formal approval last week, will deliver 180 apartments across residential levels, 8,000 square metres of ground-floor retail and hospitality space, and a 2,500-capacity cultural venue designed to complement the nearby Bendigo Festival Hall and Law Courts precinct.

The approval marks a turning point for Bendigo's inner-city recovery following several years of stalled development. Industry watchers say the project signals that local confidence is returning despite broader softening in Victoria's property market, with the state's median sitting around $490,000.

"This development represents serious long-term investment in Bendigo's future," a spokesperson for the development consortium said. The project is expected to inject $28 million into local construction jobs over its three-year build phase, with completion targeted for 2029.

The residential component will include 45 affordable dwellings capped at 80 per cent of market value, addressing council requirements. Market analysis suggests apartments in this precinct will command premiums over outer suburbs like Flora Hill and Strathdale, where median values hover around $520,000—a reflection of growing demand from remote workers and Melbourne commuters seeking CBD lifestyle amenities.

The retail offering will anchor three separate street-frontages, with expressions of interest already received from national retailers and independent operators seeking flagship Bendigo locations. A dedicated 400-space basement car park will address long-standing CBD accessibility concerns that have frustrated both residents and visitors.

Planning officers noted the development's compliance with Bendigo's 2040 vision strategy, which identifies the High Street corridor as a key activation zone. The approval includes conditions requiring community benefits contributions toward upgrades to the adjacent Rosalind Park precinct and Chancery Lane public realm improvements.

Bendigo City Council's planning committee chair emphasised the project's cultural credentials, noting the 2,500-seat venue will position the city to attract larger touring productions and festivals, building on its established reputation as a regional arts and culture destination.

The development's approval comes as other Victorian regional centres grapple with declining confidence. The contrast underscores Bendigo's advantage: its proximity to Melbourne, established creative industries, and heritage appeal continue to attract investors betting on regional growth as remote work patterns solidify.

The consortium is now lodging detailed building permits, with early works expected to commence in early 2027.

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