This article has been supplied by Development Victoria
A revised master plan for the landmark Junction Place precinct in Wodonga will be shared in the coming weeks, with a refreshed vision for the site aimed at creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, while also responding to renewed interest in regional Victoria.
The master plan will include the staging of the next phase of redevelopment at Junction Place, with a focus on the existing heritage buildings including the goods shed and train station as the heart of the precinct.
The heritage buildings will be complemented by a new hotel, a market hall that can host community events, a cinema and entertainment precinct, as well as education and workspaces.
A retail precinct has been added at the western edge to accompany the existing retail development located at Wodonga Plaza and along Elgin Boulevard.
Development Victoria, together with local developer Central Place and development manager Luoda Property, have worked with Wodonga Council for the past eight months on the refreshed master plan to ensure it responds to council’s feedback and their strategic planning guidelines for the precinct, which were developed following extensive community consultation.
“The redevelopment of Junction Place is vitally important for the Wodonga community and the updated vision reflects the original master plan while responding to economic conditions to ensures its long-term success,” Geoff Ward, Group Head at Development Victoria said.
“We are committed to working alongside the developer to deliver the next phase of Junction Place.”
Junction Place is Australia’s largest regional urban renewal project, rejuvenating the historic railway station and yards in central Wodonga to create jobs, enable commercial activation and to enhance the economic growth and development of the region.
It is being delivered by Development Victoria, the state’s urban renewal and property development authority, in partnership with Wodonga Council.
“Junction Place has become one of the most well-known precincts in Wodonga, with the project delivering important public open spaces for the community including the Promenade, Junction Square, Sidings Park and Richardson Park,” Mr Ward said.
“It is home to a thriving food and beverage precinct comprising of restaurants and cafes including Beer Craft Café, Beanstation Café, and fine dining destination Miss Amelie.
It also hosts events such as North East Food and Wine Festival and community markets.
“We are looking forward to sharing the new plans via information sessions. We acknowledge a cinema has been proposed and a permit issued on the corner of Elgin Boulevard and Smythe Street, however, due to market conditions, the developer and cinema operator have been unable to commence this development.
“We want to assure the community that there is an absolute commitment to delivering a cinema and entertainment precinct and the developer is having ongoing discussions with cinema operators for a new location.
“Wodonga is Victoria’s fastest growing regional city and Junction Place will continue to play an important role in creating jobs and contributing to the economy.”
The community is invited to register its interest in hearing about the new master plan for Junction Place.
To register interest, please email Junction.Place@development.vic.gov.au