Costs rise of library remodel

BENDIGO’S residential Strategy will be reviewed because of greater than expected growth.

The State Government has announced a grant of $50,000 to carry out the review.

The review is needed because, according to the State Government, 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.

Regional Development Parliamentary Secretary Damian Drum made the announcement this morning.

Mr Drum said the Bendigo Residential Strategy Review would deliver greater community and investor certainty, helping the region grow.

“The Bendigo Residential Development Strategy was adopted in 2004 and is currently being audited because of the faster than anticipated growth that has occurred in Bendigo in recent years,” he said.

“Strong residential growth has many flow-on economic benefits and having a clear framework for future development will position Greater Bendigo City Council to undertake more detailed, place-based planning in the future.”

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said about 40 per cent of the forecast growth between 2006 and 2031 had already been realised.

The Residential Strategy impacts directly on where and how property developments use “infill” parcels of land, range of housing styles and also on housing affordability.

“This project will review the strategy, assess current and estimated land supply and demand and consider various legislative and policy changes,” Mr Ryan said,

“It will also consider the latest demographic data and establish a new strategic framework to guide the long-term residential growth of Greater Bendigo.

“The project will result in a revised residential strategy that will give developers, the community and service providers greater surety and confidence about where land can be developed for residential purposes, and that sufficient land is available to accommodate the City of Greater Bendigo’s future growth.”

Mr Ryan said a contemporary strategic planning framework was essential to the economic development of a large regional centre like Bendigo.

“Clearly identifying future growth options and supporting infrastructure needs will enable the Greater Bendigo City Council and other infrastructure providers to plan their capital works programs well in advance,” he said.

“Identifying long-term growth areas will enable the council and other service authorities to start planning for the delivery of services, thereby minimising the lag time between when residential development occurs and when the services need to be in place.”

Bendigo Weekly | Bendigo Weekly | 06-Sep-2012

CONSTRUCTION phase funding for the Bendigo Library redevelopment will now cost the City of Greater Bendigo $5.117 million, with the total actual cost $5.34m when it is completed by the end of 2013.

Council approved the awarding of the construction tender to Contract Control Services this week, endorsing the project as a major addition to the city’s community assets.

The project, first announced in late 2010 at an estimated cost of $7.25m, blew out to $9.12m when it was decided temporary premises would need to be used during the 18-month renovation.

Figures released this week show relocation costs, furnishings and project management have added a further $1m to the revised estimate of $8m, announced in April this year.

Cr James Reade praised the cost-effectiveness of the project before the tender recommendation was accepted at this week’s council meeting.

He said it was particularly impressive that Contract Control Services will recycle 90 per cent of the materials from the redevelopment.

The remodelled and refitted library will include a café and covered access areas, as well as state-of-the-art technology.

It will feature a children’s space and other activity spaces and will also house the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre.