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Fortuna Villa Estate, Bendigo

Few projects carry the weight of history like Fortuna Villa. This landmark in Bendigo isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s a story woven into the city’s identity. When plans emerged ten years ago to transform its grounds into a vibrant residential community, it was a brilliant opportunity to show how medium density can be done in a regional setting. We have been involved in the project since inception, now seeing it come out of the ground – watch this page, or drive by in Golden Square, to see it come to life.

Project snapshot

Service

Planning

Client

Fortuna Villa Estate Pty Ltd

Location

Booth and Chum Streets,
Bendigo Victoria

Council

City of Greater Bendigo

Consultants

Kinscope
Tomkinson

Fortuna Villa Estate -Housing Render
Fortuna Estate - Landscape Masterplan
Fortuna medium density development concept

Our planning team worked closely with Heritage Victoria, Council planning officers, and a suite of specialists—heritage, environmental, landscape, and engineering consultants—to craft a vision that respects the past while embracing the future. The challenge? Delivering a medium-density residential development on a site steeped in history, with steep topography and soil conditions that tell stories of Bendigo’s mining days.

The approved concept includes 79 architecturally designed townhouses, carefully positioned to capture views of the historic villa and surrounding parkland. This $55 million project isn’t just housing—it’s a statement about Bendigo’s future. By diversifying housing options and creating a connected, vibrant community, the development supports growth while preserving the character that locals cherish.

Planning with Purpose

From the outset, our role was to navigate complexity. Heritage overlays, environmental constraints, and community expectations demanded a planning approach that was both rigorous and collaborative. We worked hand-in-hand with architects and the client to resolve issues—from contamination management to design integration—so the vision could move forward without compromise.

A Legacy Preserved

The plan ensures Fortuna Villa remains a cultural touchstone. The original Villa remains, overlooking the ornamental lake that use to be a tailings pond – history before our eyes. The new villas and open spaces around the lake will have this view, with history and modernity reflecting at each other.

The Outcome

For us, this project reflects what we do best: blending technical expertise with a human touch. Because planning isn’t just about land—it’s about legacy, lifestyle, and the stories we help shape for generations to come.