Renovating Fortuna Villa for community use could cost tens of millions of dollars and take up to four years. The restoration alone is estimated at a minimum of $15 million, with ongoing maintenance costs of several million dollars per year. Meeting heritage, building, and workplace health and safety requirements would add significant expenses. The City of Greater Bendigo council is considering future uses for the building after the army vacates it. Community groups have suggested uses such as an artists' retreat or health-related facility. There is consensus that the property should remain in community hands. Architect Dennis Carter warns that the scale and cost of restoration are much higher than many realize. He describes ideas like an arts centre as romantic but unrealistic given the financial and logistical challenges. Carter emphasizes the need for patience, thorough studies, and expert consultation before any decisions are made. Fortuna Villa is considered one of the most significant historic complexes in Australia, comparable to Werribee Park. There is strong sentiment that the property should not be allowed to deteriorate.History Lives Article - "Fortuna Refit Not an Easy Option" - The Bendigo Weekly Friday Jul 25 2008 - Author Anthony Radford This item contains the following: 11217.14a Colour Photo of Fortuna 11217.14b Part of page 7 - Fortuna Refit Not an Easy Optionnon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, george victor lansell, fortuna renovations

The new Manufacturing Technology Training Centre (MTTC), a part of the proposed Building Construction Training Centre (BCTC), will be a purpose-built, stand-alone, fully fitted-out industry-standard facility. This new space will accommodate current course provision along with specialist training spaces for developing skill requirements in manufacturing technology such as robotics, mechatronics, engineering and industrial automation. Project funding was provided by the Education Investment Fund from the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The project budget is $18.09m, and the resulting building will have a floor space of 4,755m2. The Manufacturing Technology Training Centre is being built in conjunction with the Technical Education Centre (UBTec). While the buildings will have separate street identities the buildings will be joined with shared amenities areas. UBTec will provide a facility including individual learning spaces, learning studios, administration/office space, circulation, open plan learning space, staff common areas, computer rooms, meeting rooms, staff work areas and kitchen areas as well as car parking and site-wide amenities. While the buildings will have separate street identities the buildings will be joined with shared amenities areas. Funding for the UBTec component of the building is provided by Maintaining the Advantage: Skilled Victorians from the Victorian State Government. A colour poster prepared for the 'turning of the sod' at the site of the proposed University of Ballarat Manufacturing Technology Training Centre (MTTC), Grant Street, Ballarat. The poster was signed on Friday 7 October 2011 at about 11:15 am at the Building Construction Training Centre (BCTC), Grant Street, Ballarat by: Hon. Julia Gillard MP Hon. Catherine King MP (Ballarat ) Prof. David Battersby, Vice Chancellor, University of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Craig Fletcher, Mayor of the City of Ballarat appointed in December 2010 Mrs. Karen Douglas, Chair University of Ballarat Building & Infrastructure Committee The poster is signed by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP; Karen Douglas; the Hon. Catherine King MP (Ballarat ); Prof. David Battersby (Vice Chancellor); Craig Fletcher (Mayor, City of Ballarat)university of ballarat, david battersby, julia gillard, prime minister, catherine king, ubtec, karen douglas, manufacturing technology training centre, grant street, architecural feature