Steve Carne and Jodie Jones will open Broadgauge restaurant in the former Wodonga railway station building in mid-June. Picture: JOHN RUSSELL
AN aptly-named new restaurant, Broadgauge, will be the first business established in the Junction Place redevelopment in Wodonga.
Broadgauge will open in the former railway station building in June and will be operated by renowned local restaurateurs, Jodie Jones and Steve Carne, using an initial three-year lease with options to extend.
The husband and wife team operate The Kitchen restaurant at Howlong’s Courthouse Hotel.
They previously managed the award-winning Sourcedining in Albury.
They will finish up at Howlong in late April.
Broadgauge restaurant will be created in the western end of the station building as its makeover nears completion by Southern Cross Developers.
Places Victoria business and regional development general manager Nick Foa said additional works had started to prepare for its use as a restaurant.
“Fit-out works include a full commercial kitchen and internal seating capacity for at least 60 people,” he said.
“In addition, the external station platform will be available for seasonal use.
“We are very pleased with this first outcome from the expression of interest process we started in August 2012.
“We believe this is a wonderful first business to kick-off Junction Place.”
The restaurant will be accessed through a central entry galley space in the station building featuring an interpretive display of Wodonga’s rail history.
A yet-to-be-confirmed tenancy will occupy the rest of the station.
Southern Cross Developers are also restoring the old goods shed for tenants yet to be selected, and there will be a walkway between it and the station.
Chef Jodie Jones said the restaurant would be open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday and lunch on Friday and Saturday.
It would also cater for private dining and business lunches.
“We’re thrilled to be opening our new restaurant in this historic building that has been such an important piece of Wodonga’s history,” Ms Jones said.
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley announced the Broadgauge deal last night.
“Jodie and Steve are local residents who are renowned for their quality and expertise in the restaurant business,” Mr Tilley said.
“Another new restaurant to the Wodonga dining scene will be great.”
Editorial — page 80