DRIVERS in downtown Bendigo may have to reroute their commute as construction begins in earnest on a multi-million dollar redevelopment of a historic building. 

The north-bound lane of Mollison Street between Mitchell Street and Williamson Street will be closed today as precast structural steel is craned into the construction site, Fairbrother Construction general manager Michael Josey said. 

“It will be closed until about 4pm or 5pm, and certainly no later than 6pm,” he said. 

The street will operate as normal over the weekend, but the same lane will be closed from 6am on Monday as work resumes. Mr Josey said work could continue into Tuesday.

“We’ll see how we go,” he said. 

The south-band lane is experiencing delays as traffic controllers temporarily stop and start traffic.

Mr Josey said redevelopment would utilise the historic facade of the building on the corner of Mitchell and Mollison streets but build up and around it.

“It will have two levels of commercial space below and two levels of apartments above,” he said. 

Construction began six weeks ago and is expected to be finished by August, 2016.

In 2012 the projects developer and investor, Scott Jackman, told the Bendigo Advertiser it convert “a bit of an eyesore” into a an icon. 

“It’s endeavouring to create a landmark site that will be of interest and still be engaging in 20 and 30 years to come, rather than trying to get a quick response,” he said. 

“It shows what might be achievable and encourages further development to give us all a more active and vibrant city.” 

Apartments are currently on sale with prices ranging from $550,000 to $875,000.