The Bendigo Advertiser reported in August that former City of Greater Bendigo mayor Daryl McClure, his wife, Elaine Chang and Ted Coleman had formally objected to a planning permit in August, but current Bendigo mayor Alec Sandner said any objections had been dealt with.

“While the project had received some objections these have been dealt with in the planning permit conditions," he said.

“We have received notification from the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) that no requests for a hearing on the project were made in relation to the project, which is great news.

“The next stage is the completion of the detailed designs and contract documentation to enable the Victorian Education Department, in association with the City of Greater Bendigo, to put the project out to tender and this is expected to happen before the end of the year."

The theatre design received approval, with only minor changes, from Heritage Victoria in early August. Cr Sandner said he expected construction would begin in early 2013 for completion in 2014.

“This is an extremely important and exciting project for Greater Bendigo and I am pleased that the issuing of the planning permit now provides a green light for the project to move to its next stage."

The project has attracted $12.3 million in federal government funds, $11 million from the state government and $3 million from the council.

The design includes an entry to the building through the former ‘Marong Cell Block’ which housed the original gallows