NEWS that the Old Bendigo Gaol theatre project has been given the light has been welcomed by the chief of the City of Greater Bendigo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council CEO Craig Niemann said there was now clarity in the $25.8 million project, which will result in a 1000-seat theatre being built on the prison site.
“It’s a positive step for the city and the community,” he said.
“We can push forward with the project in a time frame that is much more certain than it would have been if there was an appeals process.”
Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week told the Bendigo Advertiser the project would proceed despite a VCAT objection.
Mr Guy yesterday signed off on amendments, officially giving the project the green light.
He said the project would create 121 construction jobs and be an important community asset once finished.
Mr Niemann said the next step was creating more detailed designs and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development would put the plans to tender and award a contract.
He said planning concerns raised by objectors had been addressed.
“They were considered and we think they have been adequately addressed in the permit conditions,” he said.
“The project has had very significant community support, which is important.
“The sooner we can get on and deliver the project, the better.”