The development, if approved at tomorrow’s council meeting, would see the demolition of the Coles supermarket and construction of a new one, and the expansion of Woolworths. 

A 700m² medical centre would be built, more than 200 new car parks created and the building’s facade remodelled. 

Fourteen indigenous trees would be removed, along with 0.12 hectares of medium-conservation value vegetation and 76 planted trees, and pedestrian areas upgraded. 

The development would expand the shopping centre by 5200m². 

Three people objected to the plan, noting the loss of trees, access and parking spots for disabled people, and access to the shopping centre for residents to the south. 

Council staff recommend the plan be adopted with several conditions, which would see landscaping plans created, site plans showing pedestrian access drawn up, a southern pedestrian link built, active shop fronts created and wildlife protection measures enforced during construction. 

A spokesperson for Charter Hall said the community had been consulted on the redevelopment and the plans updated. 

Bendigo Business Council executive officer Patrick Falconer welcomed the expansion and said it showed Bendigo was moving forward. 

“As the world’s population grows, there’s a need for more shopping centres,” he said. 

“You’ve got to balance any new developments... strip shopping centres have to keep pace and offer a unique selling point, things like service, the personal touch. 

“You can still have strong shopping strips as well as big shopping centres with department stores and multinationals.

“More development creates more job opportunities.”

The redevelopment would see the site grow towards the train line and Robert Street. 

A council report said the plans would result in an improved urban design and provide an economic boost for the local area.