A proposal for a six-storey hotel development in Hargreaves Mall has been approved by the City of Greater Bendigo.
The proposal, which will form part of the 'Beehive' building, includes a six-storey hotel with 110 hotel rooms and associated restaurant, café and function facilities. The City's role was to assess the planning application submitted by the hotel developer against the requirements of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.
Hotel patrons will make use of existing public parking in the nearby streets and in the off-street car park facilities (multi-storeys) in Hargreaves and Edwards Streets. This has been supported by traffic studies that show peak demand times for the hotel will coincide with existing availability and that there is adequate parking to meet demand.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O'Sullivan said the development would help revitalise Bendigo's city centre.
"Attracting and supporting hotel developments in Hargreaves Mall and the city centre has been a Council priority for a number of years, given Bendigo's strong reputation as a visitor destination," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"The café and restaurant facilities will be open to the public, so as well as bringing visitors to the city centre to stay, the hotel will create activity and an inviting interface with the Mall.
"The development of this high-end hotel will also complement the restoration of the former Bendigo Mining Exchange at the Pall Mall-end of the Beehive complex.
"The developer's interest in this site is a show of confidence in Bendigo's city centre, and we think it will help attract other new developments in and around this area.
"We have worked hard to ensure this development will have the least impact on residents and surrounding businesses. We think it is a really exciting proposal and look forward to seeing it come to fruition."
The proposal received five objections, which concerned the height of the building, car parking, access and heritage impact. To address these concerns, the approved plans include a reduced building height and the requirement to develop various plans for patron access, waste management, deliveries and construction management. The developer will also be required to make a monetary contribution towards future parking facilities in the city centre. The final planning permit will be issued within 28 days, if no appeals are lodged.
Heritage Victoria has separately granted permission to proceed with the development, subject to conditions, because the Beehive complex is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
