Car park and office development a crucial investment for city
Posted 27/06/2011
The Bendigo Business Council has reiterated its support for the construction of a multi-story car park and commercial office space in central Bendigo, and called for a decision from City councillors at the next Council meeting.
Bendigo Business Council executive officer Kevin de Vries said today "The proposed offices, to be occupied by State Trustees, will reinforce central Bendigo as a professional services hub for the region. The BBC is an enthusiastic supporter of the project - for the jobs it will bring to Bendigo and for the additional car parking places that will be created."
"The additional off-street car parks will offset car parking lost from the construction of the DHS and Bendigo Bank buildings over recent years. By creating new off-street car parking for long-term use, street-level parking will be made available for shoppers and business clients."
"We acknowledge this is a significant infrastructure decision for our City" Mr de Vries said. "The construction costs will be repaid from commercial rental income and car parking revenue. In time this building will be a generator of revenue for the City, just as the existing multi-story car park is today."
Mr de Vries said that the Business Council was particularly excited about the 100 professional services jobs to be brought to Bendigo by State Trustees as a direct result of the project. "We know that there is a shortage of professional office space in our growing regional city. The Council's commitment to this building will secure the establishment of State Trustees presence in Bendigo. The flow-on effects from this investment will be considerable." Mr de Vries said.
"Car parking in central Bendigo has been a cause of frustration for many years. This project has been meticulously planned by the City's staff, and placed before Council in accordance with every statutory requirement. The events of this evening's Council meeting are clearly without precedent; we urge our elected Councillors to award the construction of this important investment at its next formal meeting."
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