The state government announced on Friday that ACMI would operate the centre at the Morley Johnson building in Mitchell Street.

It comes just three months after the Bendigo-based CoCreate Group pulled out as operator.

“I’m very supportive of this move,” Manager of Capital Venue and Events, David Lloyd, said.

“I think it’s a great way of showing Bendigo how we can move forward with our creative industries.

“The key driver of the move is that it opens up an affordable space for emerging creative people in Bendigo where they can share ideas.

“Sharing ideas comes from having people together in the same space and being able to get inspiration from the people around you.”

ACMI already runs a museum dedicated to screen culture in Melbourne’s Federation Square, the ACMI X co-working space for the creative industries, and industry development programs.

Under the new arrangement, Bendigo-based creatives will have access to a hotdesk at ACMI X in Southbank and those in Melbourne will be able to use the space in Bendigo.

ACMI’s director of public, education and industry programs Dr Sophie Lieberman said ACMI would establish a local advisory group to work with stakeholders to ensure what it implemented was aimed at meeting local needs.

“I”m well aware of ACMI and ACMI X and the work they do,” Mr Lloyd said. “They’ve done great things in mentoring and incubating the creative industries.

“It’s a great opportunity to have that same idea right in the centre of our city.”

The hub should also celebrate the diversity of the creative industries in Bendigo, Mr Lloyd said.

“Everyone says the creative industries are areas like painting and performing arts but they are far greater than that,” he said.

“Creative industries goes beyond arts and culture, and into areas like gaming and architecture.

“A place like the Creative Hub gives us an opportunity to encourage the cross-pollination of ideas within those different industries.”

It would be the first time ACMI has taken its accelerator and co-working program to a regional area.

Bendigo architecture firm e+ architecture has been tasked with creating a design for the hub, which is expected to open early next year.

ACMI will run the hub until October 2021 and will collaborate with an advisory group to develop a local team to take over operation.

Until the hub comes into operation, the Emerge Cultural Hub – part of Multicultural Arts Victoria – will use the site for skills development workshops and a retail space for participants.

ACMI is now recruiting for a co-ordinator for the hub, with applications to close on July 24.