Hopes for growth in the Loddon’s southern corridor have been boosted with the stage one release of the shire’s first major residential estate.
Interest has been high to snap up one 15 home blocks since the Bridgewater sub-division's release three weeks ago.
Agent Drew Stratton, of McKean McGregor, said: “We’ve had inquiries from local people, from semi-retired couples but generally they have come from younger families.”
Bridgewater Rise blocks in the stage one release have prices between $165,000 and $215,000.

Mr Stratton and developer Josh Cummins said Bridgewater Rise would offer a more affordable option and greater space for buyers compared with current sub-divisions in Bendigo. Loddon Mayor Dan Straub said the Bridgewater development was a boost to the shire’s strategy for long-term population growth.
“We want people to come and live in the Loddon Shire for the lifestyle,” he said.“Bridgewater is close to schools and a great location for those who want to commute to work.“And this is a great project that will bring population growth that can hopefully be extended to other communities in the Calder corridor, to Newbridge and to our towns in the north.” Cr Straub said residential developments would continue the upward population trend from last year’s Census showed more people lived in Loddon communities for the first time in 20 years. “The Census showed us having more than 7800 residents.
We know there has been growth since last August,” he said. “Population growth adds to make our communities vibrant and self-sufficient and helps our retailers and community organisations.”
Mr Stratton said the 35-lot Bridgewater Rise on 3.5 hectares was expected to be released in three stages. And Mr Cummins’ family consortium for the development also owns an adjoining 3.5 hectares facing the Calder Highway. That parcel of land could potentially be a further 35-lot extension to Bridgewater Rise.

Mr Cummins said Bridgewater Rise would give people more options on where to live in the region. He said a housing estate in Bridgewater made sense for its proximity to Bendigo but also the river lifestyle of the town. Pre-sale of blocks in stage one would determine a start date on civil works constructing streets and installing services at Bridgewater Rise opposite the town’s recreation reserve, Mr Stratton said, and trigger the release of future stages. Cr Straub described the first steps towards a housing estate in Bridgewater as exciting for the shire.

Article by Chris Earl | Loddon Herald | Vol 3 No 1, Thursday, 19th January, 2023 (ISSN 2653-1550)
The Loddon Herald