DEMOLITION has begun on four former army buildings to make way for the construction of 79 townhouses on the site of mansion Fortuna Villa.
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Two old cream brick army buildings have been knocked down on the Golden Square site, which was the wartime headquarters of Australia's mapping unit.
Agent Tom Maher said the owners planned to start the build in 2020, with civic works due to begin on site in November.
The site in Golden Square will be home to housing at the Fortuna Villa Estate, on what was part of the property of mining millionaire George Lansell.
It's one of three projects taking place at the site. Separate enterprises - a refit of the Fortuna Villa mansion to become a luxury hotel and and an over 55s subdivision - are also slated.
The heritage listed mansion Fortuna Villa was built by the family of magnate George Lansell over several decades. It sits near the intersection of Chum and Booth streets.
Once among Australia's grandest houses, it is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as a site of national significance.
Fortuna gold mine sat near the mansion, at one stage the richest mine in Bendigo and one of the deepest in the world.
The site was compulsorily acquired by the Commonwealth during World War II, becoming the headquarters of Australia's survey corps cartographic unit.
Owner Paul Banks sold part of the site to a consortium for development in 2015. It's this that has become the Fortuna Village Estate.
Architect John Patrick has designed the 79 residences, all three or four bedroom houses and townhouses.
Mr Maher said he hoped stage 1 of the project would be finished by the end of 2020, with possible further construction on site into 2021.
He said a lot of things would change as construction took place, including Booth and Chum streets being neatened and power lines being put underground.
It was the perfect time to launch the properties as Bendigo grew year on year, Mr Maher said.
"What makes this unique, it's probably the largest development like this that's happened in Bendigo, at this high end," Mr Maher
"It'll be one of the most beautiful spots to live, because of the aspect and the overlooking of the lake to the villa."
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