General News
14 June, 2026
Prestige site transformation underway
WORK has officially resumed at the former Prestige Mill site in Queen Street, marking a major step forward in a long-running redevelopment project aimed at unlocking land for new housing. Plans to turn the site into a new housing development received a substantial boost last year with funding to enable works to make the site viable for future residential development.
Once fully delivered, the site is expected to support around 90 new dwellings.
Council reports confirm the grant—valued at approximately $7.3 million—does not fund housing construction itself.
Instead, it is being used to address long-standing barriers to development by financing essential infrastructure, including roads, footpaths, drainage, kerb and channel works, and utility connections such as power, water, sewerage, and NBN.
A recent meeting of council was advised works recommenced on 27 April 2026 following environmental and safety approvals.
Council emphasised that all activity is being carried out in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria and Environment Protection Authority requirements.
A key early stage of the project involved the removal and decontamination of building rubble previously identified as hazardous.
Certified hygienists have now completed inspection and clearing of the removed material, with remaining contaminated waste to be transported by a licensed contractor to an approved landfill facility at Stawell.
Safety measures on site have included continuous air quality monitoring, dust suppression, controlled exclusion zones, and mandatory protective equipment for all workers.
With contamination risks removed, concrete waste from the former mill is now being crushed on site for potential reuse in future construction.
The process is being undertaken in stages over approximately six to eight weeks, depending on material availability.
Crushing operations are limited to one to two days per week between 7:00am and 6:00pm, with dust and noise controls in place.
New fencing has been installed as demolition activities continue and site controls are strengthened.
Meanwhile, engineering and civil design work for future infrastructure is already underway, including planning for roads, drainage systems, and essential services.
Council reports indicate that construction of enabling infrastructure is expected to begin in the second half of 2026, once site clearance is sufficiently advanced.
Council says the project is aligned with its objectives to support population growth and expand housing supply through innovative development approaches.
CEO Dr Tim Harrison said the works aim to activate a site that has long been constrained by environmental and structural barriers.
Once complete, the redevelopment is expected to pave the way for private investment in housing, with the ultimate goal of delivering new residential capacity for the community.
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