THE design process for Bendigo's $90 million GovHub is underway, as council prepares to sell the Lyttleton Terrace land to the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Concept designs are expected to be released today ahead of a community consultation session on Saturday.
The designs, by Lyons Architects, are for a multi-level building.
The ground floor features a landscaped courtyard, with lookouts to the GovHub's other landscaped gardens and the Bendigo Town Hall.
Tenant agencies, the Dja Dja Wurrung, Be.Bendigo, neighbouring traders and representatives from the arts, youth and accessibility communities were last month invited to provide input into the early concept designs.
Suggestions are understood to have centred on the need for the GovHub to connect to the surrounding precinct, have areas accessible to the community, and for the design to reflect local heritage and incorporate sustainability practices.
The City of Greater Bendigo is selling the land on which its Lyttleton Terrace offices stand to make way for the GovHub.
The land will be sold to Development Victoria, which is managing and overseeing construction of the GovHub on the government's behalf.
A Regional Development Victoria spokesperson said the project was in its early stages.
"Details regarding its long-term ownership are to be determined," they said.
Greater Bendigo corporate performance director Andrew Cooney said the Bendigo GovHub site sat across multiple titles, which were being consolidated into a single title.
"This will enable the valuation of the land to occur, which will be conducted by the Valuer General of Victoria," he said.
"We anticipate the sale process will be completed this calendar year."
The Doherty's Garage site is understood not to be part of the land council is preparing for sale for the GovHub.
The GovHub is expected to be delivered by mid-2022.
Regional Development Victoria expects detailed designs to start as soon as community feedback has been collected.
A construction tender is expected to be awarded mid-2020.
Regional Development Victoria plans to appoint Development Victoria to manage and oversee the project's construction.
Regional development minister Jaclyn Symes said Saturday's consultation session was an opportunity for locals to help shape a new landmark building in central Bendigo that would create jobs and centralise government services.
The government intends to display an early floorplan and a concept design, including the proposed GovHub entrance, during the session, which runs from 10am - 2pm at the Bendigo Town Hall.
An online survey is also available at www.developmentvictoria.engagementhub.com.au
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.