While early proposals to turn the historic Fortuna Villa Estate into a public arts precinct (similar to Melbourne's Abbotsford Convent) gained community traction, the site has transitioned. The iconic gold rush mansion and grounds at 22 Chum Street is now a private residence and exclusive community space for the neighboring residential development, offering public functions and high teas by booking. The Tomkinson Group gained approval in 2016 to provide key town planning, engineering, surveying and project management services for the redevelopment of Bendigo’s iconic Fortuna Villa. They have been involved in consultation with Heritage Victoria, Council Planning, Heritage & Engineering, Environmental, Landscape and Heritage consultants all working cooperatively towards a sensitive urban renewal residential design for the site. The planning permit application was approved in 2016 and construction is set to start in late 2017. The residential development is great opportunity for the proposed re-invigoration of Bendigo’s historic “Fortuna Villa”, and Tomkinson Group is proud to be an integral part of the process. The concept consists of 79 high end architecturally designed townhouses, built to subtly enjoy the beautiful views and acres of parkland once part of the mansion estate. The exciting 55 million dollar project proposed for the mansion grounds will sensitively allow for a unique medium density housing development, diversifying the housing options available in Bendigo, whilst maintaining the integrity of the historic Villa and a portion of the grounds, which will be open to the public for high teas and functions. The project is not without its challenges however. The topography is steep, the soil has been contaminated and contains fill from mining days, and the historic aspects of the property must be treated with a great deal of care, however the positives far outweigh the negatives. Together with the architect and client we have resolved these issues to allow this exciting development to proceed. The site has an idyllic central city location, fantastic views of both Bendigo and the Villa itself, and the established grounds provide an attractive aesthetic basis for the proposed residences.Fortuna - Villa Proposed Arts Precinct Concept This item contains the following documents: 11217.72a Sketch of the proposed Arts Precinct off Chum Street 11217.72b 28 pages of proposed sketches and designs 11217.72c Four A3 size plans of Fortunanon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, fortuna proposed arts precinct, tomkinson fortuna villa project