Key details
Location
2 Osborne Street, Flora Hill, Bendigo
Dja Dja Wurrung Country
Policy objective
Regional development, urban renewal, housing
Project partners
City of Greater Bendigo
Homes Victoria
Overview
The Victorian Government is planning to deliver more homes in Bendigo at Flora Hill, bringing much-needed housing to the region.
Previously the site of the Bendigo Teachers’ College and later used by La Trobe University for student accommodation, the site is predominantly vacant aside from the historic ‘Eumana’ House which will be retained.
The project will deliver approximately 160 new homes across a range of lot sizes and dwelling types, including some social and affordable homes.
Early works are expected to commence in 2025 following purchase of the site from La Trobe University.
Development Victoria will work closely with the City of Greater Bendigo, Homes Victoria and the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) to ensure the project meets the specific needs of community.
Works on site
Flora Hill – Public consultation on proposed early works
The Victorian Government recently announced plans to deliver more homes in Bendigo at 2 Osborne Street, Flora Hill, bringing much-needed housing to the region.
To prepare the site for housing, early works are required and are expected to begin in the first half of 2025. The proposed early works include:
- Site investigation and remediation activities
- Removal of vegetation (including some native vegetation) to the minimum extent necessary
- Demolition (removal of existing pavement & hardstand)
Some of these early works require a planning approval, particularly for native vegetation removal and works within the extent of the Heritage Overlay (HO916) to remove pavement and carry out remediation activities around Flora Hill’s historic Eumana House. Development Victoria intends to seek approval from the Minister for Planning for these matters under Clause 52.30 (State Projects) of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, following public consultation.
Eumana House will be retained and incorporated into the new residential community while the broader site will be repurposed for the delivery of new homes and supporting infrastructure. Please refer to the 52.30 Project Boundary Plan, included here and in the link below.
Before starting works, Development Victoria will also implement a Kangaroo Management Plan approved under the Wildlife Act 1975, to ensure the wellbeing of the kangaroos and to relocate them to nearby habitats.
Development Victoria will work closely with the City of Greater Bendigo, Homes Victoria, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) and the Department of Transport and Planning to ensure the project meets the needs of the community.
A separate planning application process will follow in 2025 to consider the proposed residential development, including further opportunity for community input.
Planning Submissions
For planning submissions, direct inquiries, or if you wish to submit any other feedback on the proposed early works, please email: florahill@development.vic.gov.au.
Submissions must be received by 9th December 2024. All feedback will be summarised in a consultation report provided to the Minister for Planning via the Department of Transport and Planning.
To the left is the Project Boundary Plan.
Clause 52.30 Project Boundary Plan – Flora Hill Regional Housing Project.
frequently asked questions
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.
Updated on 26 November 2024