Detailed plans are yet to be drawn up, but the centre's management confirmed yesterday that they were in discussions with the City of Greater Bendigo.

Centre manager Deb Plunkett said management had requested an additional 10,000 square metres, or two-thirds of the existing floor space (16,000 square metres).

"We are confident that this (expansion) will be considered favourably, but no detailed plans have been developed at this time," Ms Plunkett said.

"Any approval will be subject to development conditions, which will involve building controls, car parking and improved pedestrian facilities."

Ms Plunkett said Bendigo Marketplace staff had been working with the council as part of its Amendment C60, which stemmed from the city's commercial land strategy.

City of Greater Bendigo strategic planning manager Marg Allan said council staff had also been working to ensure any changes fitted with the council's commercial land strategy and CBD structure plan.

Ms Allan said the centre's owners had taken the first step towards expansion, applying to have planning controls lifted from the site.

City chief executive officer John McLean confirmed the amendment application was only the start of a long process.

"It (the application) is only to facilitate redevelopment; any talk about the number of shops or what type of shops is not part of this amendment process," Mr McLean said.

"There will be all the usual opportunities for people to comment."

Mr McLean said after discussions between the two parties, a report would be prepared for councillors, who would vote on whether or not to allow the amendment.

If councillors agreed to the change, it would be up to the Victorian Planning Minister to make a final decision on the amendment, he said.

Bendigo Traders' Association spokesperson Graeme Baker said members of the association had only just become aware of the proposal and did not have specific details.

But he said traders would be concerned if a large-scale development was to go ahead at the Marketplace.

"I think the local council is very well aware that the CBD, at present, is very vibrant," Mr Baker said.

"It has taken a lot of work in beautification and through other works to create a very pleasant place for people to shop.

"I think the council should be concerned should such a large development come along and threaten what the council has created during the past few years."