La Trobe finally sells Beechworth TWO years after first announcing its closure, La Trobe University has finally agreed a deal to sell its closed Beechworth campus. The sale price remains commercial-in-confidence, but La Trobe pro vice-chancellor (regional) Hal Swerissen said the university was happy with the outcome. La Trobe paid $750,000 for the heritage listed former mental hospital in 1996, using the site as a hotel and conference centre to teach hospitality and tourism courses. La Trobe had been seeking upwards of $1.5 million for the site that dates back to the 1860s. The sale is subject to final planning approval so may not be finalised for six months or more. The buildings have been bought by local business interests, whose proposal was best in line with the development plans that came as a result of community consultation. These include plans to use some land for farming and residential houses, as well as a hotel and conference facility, and space for some community activities. Current major tenants include Beechworth Spa, an IT company, a Montessori school and childcare centre. Professor Swerissen said the new owners are planning to reinvigorate the hospitality and conference facilities and to progressively rejuvenate and revitalise the site. "Throughout the whole process, we have listened to the community and have done our best to allow this extensive site to once again contribute to the local economy in a complementary manner with the town's tourism, commercial activity and cultural life," he said.