A residential development in a historical warehouse in Bendigo's CBD is nearing completion after years of work.
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The redevelopment of the upper floors of the Webb and Co building, on the corner of Williamson and Queen streets, into 15 apartments is expected to be completed this spring.
The conversion of the former warehouse into residential quarters has been in the works for several years, since at least 2012.
Williams Real Estate owner Bill Williams said the challenges of working in such an old building, such as heritage considerations, issues with the flooring, and updating the wiring and insulation, had led to delays.
But earlier this week a crane was on-site to lift new roofing and the heating and cooling systems into place, and plastering is now set to begin.
Mr Williams said exterior work would be undertaken in the coming months, including the installation of new windows and a clean-up of the facade.
The Webb and Co building was constructed in the 1870s as a flour mill.
In the 1920s the building was converted into a sewing machine factory and in later years it served as a nightclub.
Its next incarnation will see it house one and two-bedroom apartments, while the ground floor will remain retail space.
Visual reminders of the building's industrial heritage will feature in the interiors, with partially exposed brick walls and exposed beams.
The exterior of the heritage building has to be preserved.
The apartments will go on sale when work is finished in September or October and are expected to go for $500,000 to $700,000.
Mr Williams said he hoped to see people living there before Christmas.
"I think it will be young professionals, it will be Airbnbs perhaps... I've had a couple of retirees look at it," he said.
The GovHub and new Bendigo Law Courts could also attract some potential residents in the future, he said.
Mr Williams said the developer was relieved to see the project nearing completion and excited to know the Bendigo market was "buoyant".
Despite the arrival of COVID-19, Mr Williams said, the market remained relatively strong.
He said residences in the centre of the city were key to revitalising the Bendigo CBD.
"I think if we want to get our inner city more vibrant, we need to get people living in the inner city," Mr Williams said.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
