Flora Hill

The Victorian Government is planning to deliver housing in Bendigo at Flora Hill, bringing much needed homes to the region.

Flora Hill will create approximately 160 new homes, including a range of lot sizes and housing types to meet current demands, including some social and affordable homes.

Early works to remediate the site are expected to begin in 2025, following purchase of the site from La Trobe University.

A Development Plan responding to the Development Plan Overlay will be submitted in 2025 and will guide future development on the site as well as the assessment of future Planning Permits.

A tender for early works and remediation is proposed to be released in early 2025, with the successful bidder being appointed before the end of the year.

Development Victoria, as the Victorian Government’s property developer, will deliver housing at Flora Hill. A competitive tender process is currently earmarked for late 2026, with the successful builder being appointed in late 2026.

Staged construction is expected to be complete in 2030.

The project is proposed to deliver approximately 160 new homes, including homes for private purchase as well as some social and affordable homes.

Flora Hill will offer a minimum of 10% affordable housing (as defined by the Planning and Environment Act 1987), available for purchase or rent, with a range of homes offered at different price points to cater for a variety of potential buyers.    

We recognise there is great need for more housing in Bendigo, and by unlocking land at Flora Hill we will help deliver on the objectives of the Victoria’s Housing Statement by providing more homes for purchase or rent close to existing schools, jobs, transport and services.

Previously, the site of the Bendigo Teachers’ College and later used by La Trobe University for student accommodation, the site is now predominantly vacant aside from the historic Eumana House (Eumana). Future use of ‘Eumana’ will be considered, however the building will be retained on the site and incorporated into the new residential community.

‘Eumana’ was constructed in 1904 and is designated as a place with local heritage significance. It includes the area surrounding the homestead and two significant oak trees.  

It is subject to a Heritage Overlay and it will be retained on the site and incorporated into the new residential community.

In accordance with the Development Plan Overlay, a Tree Management Plan will be submitted to the City of Greater Bendigo before the commencement of works. Trees will need to be removed for the development of the site.  

An approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) has been developed and will be implemented in advance of works on the site to ensure the ongoing preservation of the scarred trees within the site.

A Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) is being implemented to ensure the wellbeing of the kangaroos and encourage them to move away from the site in advance of future construction works.

A Kangaroo Management Plan (KMP) is required by the City of Greater Bendigo Planning controls and the Development Plan Overlay to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the kangaroos on the site.

Like many sites across Bendigo, the site will require remediation. These works are expected to commence in 2025.

Development Victoria is committed to readying the site for residential use and we will engage a highly experienced team to safely undertake these works.

Development Victoria will keep the community informed of upcoming activities as the development progresses.