THE City of Greater Bendigo is undergoing an unprecedented major project boom with several multi-million dollar projects underway, acting chief executive Stan Liacos says.
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The new library is set to open at the end of January, the art gallery expansion will be complete in February and opened March, and the jail theatre will open in about 12 months.
Works are also underway in Mitchell Street and at the airport, and the council is seeking funding for a new aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat.
Mr Liacos said the level of council-backed development was “unprecedented”.
“Bendigo is currently taking centre stage for unprecedented investment in infrastructure and strong economic and residential growth,” he said.
“This is set against a backdrop of enviable liveability.
“It’s a great time to be living and investing in Bendigo.”
Mr Liacos said the projects were largely on time and on budget.
“They are all projects that are fundamentally running to budget,” he said.
“By and large they’re on time.
“These are all City of Greater Bendigo projects.
“You’ve got to remember there are lots of other projects happening around town, like the Bendigo Hospital project, the St John of God (hospital) development, work at Girton Grammar and Catholic College is building a new campus.
“There’s also the major expansion of the Lansell Square shopping centre in Kangaroo Flat and another shopping centre being built at Kennington.”
The council also wants federal and state support for the next stages of the airport redevelopment and the new aquatic centre at Kangaroo Flat.
“The first stage of the airport works are under construction now,” Mr Liacos said.
“That should be finished by the end of the month.
“The next big stage, which is the development of the new runway, is still awaiting support from the federal government.
“We’re still confident we can achieve that support in the near future.
“It’s a project of vital strategic importance.”
But receiving funds for the aquatic centre will be harder, Mr Liacos said.
"The scale of the task and the nature of the project makes it tougher,” he said.
“Despite the tough task, we will work professionally and passionately to secure the resources necessary to deliver this much needed facility.”
Mr Liacos said Mitchell Street road works would be “managed throughout the year” to minimise disruptions.
Work will resume on Mitchell Street on January 27.
Staff are in the first stage of the project, with details on further stages yet to be announced.
