Mayor up for more Fortuna Villa talks

Bendigo's Mayor says she is keen to keep discussing the future of the recently-sold Fortuna Villa with the mansion's new owners.

Fortuna Villa was sold at auction earlier this month for $3 million to a local developer believed to have financial links to an Asian consortium.

The sale followed a long public campaign led by the Bendigo council to keep the property in public hands.

There have been rumours in recent days that the sale might be in trouble but Bendigo Mayor Lisa Ruffell says she held talks with the owner last week and was satisfied with the discussion.

She says she is keen to keep the lines of communication open.

The ABC has been unable to contact the owner but it has been reported they want to use Fortuna as an accommodation and wedding reception venue.

Source: ABC News, 26 April 2013