The townhouses, designed by Melbourne architect Twenty Ten, overlook the hospital on Bayne Street and will be completed by May.

Barry Plant director Bill Williams said the company was excited to be involved in such a prestigious development which could set the precedent for future developments in Bendigo.

“These new townhouses will certainly set the benchmark for future developments within the local community,” he said.

“With the new world-class hospital being built in regional Victoria, this will certainly bring the city and country closer together.

“Busy urban professionals planning to work and live in Bendigo, will now have housing that meets their expectations.

“If you get $500,000 plus for each unit it will set the precedent for future developments for the whole area. Local builders can build houses with confidence and know you get good interest and a good price.

“But they have got to be well specked up. We are talking 10 foot ceilings, square set cornices, all the latest and greatest.”

Mr Williams said there was a lot of interest.

“Three townhouses are already sold and with the level of interest high, the remaining townhouses are anticipated to sell quickly.

“One investor who bought was overseas at the time, in India. But he saw an opportunity.

“We are reaching far and wide with inquires.”

New benchmark

Ravenswood homestead is going under the hammer at noon on Saturday.

The homestead, which dates from 1857, is expected to sell for a Bendigo record of more than $3 million.

First National Tweed Sutherland Real Estate director Matt Leonard said it will be interesting to see how it goes.

“It has been a great campaign,” he said.

“We have had some really good exposure in a lot of publications around Australia and enquiry has been great.

“A property of this nature is uncharted waters; it is going to be setting a new benchmark.”

New face

National agency LJ Hooker is coming to Bendigo.

Local resident and real estate agent Geoff Parsons will oversee the official launch on April 12.

Mr Parsons said Bendigo's property market was booming, with a significant market for newly-built houses and strong demand for rentals.

Still for sale

The iconic Bridgewater General Store has failed to sell at auction.

The long-standing shop and café on Main Street attracted no bids when it went under the hammer. 

Costly

A new law, expected to take effect next month, means Victorians who lose battles over rental properties, small consumer claims and against builders at the Victorian Civil and Administration Tribunal will have to reimburse the winner’s fees.

Public

Victoria needs a major investment in public housing as home affordability is increasingly strained, according to a new report.

The Making Social Housing Work document calls for $200 million to be spent on new public housing each year for 20 years.