Bendigo is very proud to call itself home to a La Trobe University campus since 1991, basing itself in Flora Hill. As with any university in a regional town, La Trobe has helped shaped Bendigo, boosting our economy, employment opportunities and cultural prominence.
Some of our readers may be aware of a recent announcement of a city accommodation block back in February, housing 220 students in the heart of the city. Personally, I’m eager to see how this may turn out, depending on all things considered.
This accommodation block is planned to be in Williamson Street, where the current Bolton’s store is (the blue building), located behind Coles, and is expected to be complete by 2028. This project will cost $50 million, adding to the estimated $100 million La Trobe has invested in Bendigo, alongside projects such as the Emporium Creative Hub in Mitchell Street and the La Trobe Art Institute (LAi) in View Street
First and foremost, this article is not to oppose the accommodation plans. I believe it can work, if done properly. But there are questions to be addressed. For example, 220 students will be living in this space, which will involve many vehicles. What will happen to all the cars, bikes, service vehicles etc., be stored overnight and during the day? Imagine an extra 220 or so vehicles that need to be parked, maintained, stored and secured across the city centre?
Secondly, I am not an expert in logistics, planning or anything like that. I’m just a local student who grew up in Bendigo and attends the university. I go along to events, such as O-Week, and I go to study sessions at uni and play social volleyball. But what about the students? How will students, who may not drive, get to and from their classes back to the city accommodation? Buses would need to operate more frequently during class times and evenings for study sessions and social events. Or maybe the university would need to provide a shuttle bus for the students? Without proper transportation to and from campus, the entire accommodation block could become redundant and eventually unused.
On the contrary, I can see a slight boost in the surrounding economy with a large student accommodation centre. Local businesses and stores could benefit from additional customers, such as the Asian grocers across town, Coles, and surrounding restaurants and cafes, and even employment in the CBD. The library and various other study spaces can be utilised more by students who need the resources or want to catch up together. Even nightlife in Bendigo can pick up, with various pubs and bars being used as meetup places or for events by students, such as a trivia night. As I said earlier, this is a good opportunity for the CBD, if done properly. But it must be done properly, or else it could lead to traffic congestion, stranded students, and wasted facilities.
As with the city, the university will only grow bigger and bigger, so expansion does make sense. Perhaps the CBD is ready for a large university accommodation complex, and I do welcome it wholeheartedly.
We tried to reach out to the La Trobe Bendigo Campus for comments; however, there was no response. But what do you think? Is Bendigo suitable for a CBD accommodation block? Or do we still need time to grow?
I’ve spoken to local business owners, and current residents at the Flora Hill campus about their opinions regarding the matter, and the people of the town seem mixed on the issue.
An employee from a nearby Op shop was unaware of this development. Her main concerns were parking and potential business lost due to nearby construction. She did, however, mention that it could be good for business, as it will attract young people, looking to buy clothes for all sorts of occasions, as she reports groups of students are a common sight.
“It would be nice if the Council considers lowering, or even removing parking rates,” she adds. “It’s good to see a project like this, and that they make sure it’s as easy as possible, for businesses and students.”
Declan, 22, is a supervisor at Coles in the CBD, also unaware of this plan. He’s curious about the different students that may be housed there, if they belong to a specific course or otherwise. He hadn’t noted any concerns at all, adding “bringing in students is a good thing, as they’ll be switched on to help the town of Bendigo. I’m open to seeing how it goes.”
Elke, 50, works at the Bendigo Library, and also did not know of this plan. She expects that this development could make the library busier, but it could go both ways for the city centre. “Having more people could increase business, jobs, and infrastructure, but there could be too much for everyone to keep up with initially”. Her main concerns were parking and security around the CBD, and that construction may also affect the city negatively.
A middle-aged man, who preferred to remain anonymous, hadn’t heard anything about La Trobe’s development. He mentions that having accommodation in the city could be a benefit for the housing crisis, as there’s a looming risk of homelessness. He also states that affordable accommodation is good for the town, as it can free up the rental market.
Even speaking to current students and staff at La Trobe who are living on campus yielded interesting comments.
Kylie Banyard, a Visual Arts Lecturer, was aware of the project, but not of its $62 million price tag. She mentioned that it could be positive for the city, and bring in more international students, although amenities on campus would also need to be considered, such as the cafe. “Affordable, healthy food options on campus will need to improve dramatically. We’d also love to see the Nancy Long Dining Hall be used to its full potential”, being built in 2013 for current residents on campus
Elizabeth, 20, a 3rd Year Bachelor of Visual Arts student from New South Wales, wasn’t aware of this planned project in the CBD. She says it could be good for the uni, giving students an option for more residence accommodation away from the campus. She also states that parking is a concern of hers, and commuting may be an issue for other students. If given a choice, she would prefer to live on campus
Darcy, 20, a 2nd Year Bachelor of Health Sciences student from Echuca, was aware of the plans, but hadn’t heard much since its announcement in February. He says the accommodation block can be good for the La Trobe campus and the CBD, offering different employment opportunities, but says commuting and security is something to consider. If given a choice, Darcy says he is unsure between choosing between on-campus residency, and the city accommodation block.
To summarise, many people are still unaware of the proposed student residency block, but most remain optimistic about its effect on Bendigo. Main issues raised include security and parking options around the accommodation and CBD, which should be properly considered when planning.