Initially billed as the site of Bendigo's most luxurious hotel, owners of the land at 38 Bridge Street are calling for expressions of interest as they bid to sell the site.
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Bendigo council's planning department first received an application to build a 30-suite, five-storey hotel development at the site in November, 2017.
A planning permit and endorsed building plans were later granted.
According to architects Searle x Waldron, the development would feature Bendigo's first rooftop bar, valet parking and parking stackers.
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The site remains home to a small weatherboard cottage and is across the road from Coliban Water's head office and the Bridge Hotel.
Melbourne-based developers Cheng and Lok Company submitted its plans to council and hoped to build a Chinese-inspired facade featuring a pitched roof.
Architects proposed a long and narrow building that extended back 31 metres from a 12m frontage.
The large side walls would be similar to other 19th and 20th century exposed walls in Bendigo, the architects said.
The proposal sought to use traditional materials found in the surrounding areas, while paying tribute to traditional Chinese design.
In 2016, Planning Minister Richard Wynne approved zoning changes in the street that made the development a possibility.
As part of its Bendigo City Centre Plan, council earmarked Bridge Street as a major development precinct.
Last April, council approved its revised city centre plan and said the Bridge Street and hospital precinct "will be transformed into a vibrant mixed use, high street destination with taller buildings for new shops, eateries, offices and apartments."
Key aspects of development in the area include further developments and expansion of the Golden Dragon Museum and Dai Gum San to establish the National Chinese Museum of Australia and the creation of new pocket parks at Cemetery Street and Joseph Street.
The area is currently anchored by the Bendigo Hospital, with retail and small business scattered throughout.
Expressions of interest close on Monday, November 30 and can be made to Property Now.