La Trobe unveiled its plan on 28 February for state-of-the-art student accommodation in Bendigo’s city precinct.
The about $50 million student accommodation project will transform a site on Williamson Street, providing essential housing for students by the end of 2028. This substantial investment is in response to growing demand for higher education in Central Victoria.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said this investment reflected the University’s commitment to providing high-quality education and the necessary infrastructure to support its growing student population.
“Our vision is to drive growth and innovation in regional communities through transformative education, impactful research and vibrant campuses,” Professor Farrell said.
"Meeting the housing needs of our students is a top priority. This development will strengthen Bendigo as a social, cultural, and economic hub, giving students - many of whom are the next generation of regional and rural workers – access to modern living spaces that complement their studies."
The design of the Bendigo central accommodation will be tailored to the specific needs of students, including dedicated study zones, communal spaces and wellness areas to promote a vibrant and balanced university lifestyle.
Since 2019, La Trobe has invested more than $70 million in Bendigo infrastructure, including a $50 million world-class centre for engineering and technology at the Flora Hill campus and upgrades to the student union and library. In addition, $21 million is being spent to redevelop the dentistry and oral health pre-clinical teaching facilities at the Rural Health School’s Clinical Teaching Building on Arnold Street.
Furthermore, $22 million has been allocated to redevelop Flora Hill's nursing, midwifery and allied health facilities with works to commence later this year. This investment will cater to significantly more students and clinical placements in Bendigo.
Bendigo Head of Campus Marg O’Rourke said this has brought La Trobe's total investment in Bendigo to over $150 million, with the new student accommodation.
“Our ongoing investments are not only creating a welcoming environment for students, but are also strengthening our teaching and academic capabilities," Marg said.
“By investing in Bendigo’s urban core, this project further cements La Trobe as a cornerstone of the city’s future, fostering opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.
“Through the Emporium Creative Hub, La Trobe Art Institute, the new dentistry building and our Flora Hill campus, we are proud of the economic and tourism contributions our facilities bring to the wider region as a University City.”
PHOTO: La Trobe University Bendigo Regional Advisory Board (RAB) member Damian Wells (Coliban Water), RAB member Dale Pearce (Bendigo Senior Secondary College), RAB member Hayley Tibbett (Be.Bendigo), Lisa Chesters MP (Member for Bendigo), La Trobe Bendigo Head of Campus Marg O'Rourke, La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell, RAB Chair Marnie Baker, La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional) Associate Professor Melanie Bish, and Andrew Cooney (City of Greater Bendigo).
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
