MAJOR changes to Wodonga’s Junction Place should lead to new development at the stalled site, according to the member for Benambra, Bill Tilley.
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State Planning Minister Matthew Guy has changed the rules covering the site, opening the land for new uses.
Conditions that divided the site into distinct precincts, limited retail floor space and restricted ground-level frontages, have been removed.
Construction of the square will start next month, and the central Richardson Park green site will be moved to an area on Elgin Boulevard.
Mr Tilley said the rules had been restricted developers and the changes should quickly attract more interest.
“The emphasis is to get those with the dollars to have the freedom to say what they want to do with their money,” he said.
“It cuts red tape and makes it an easier place to invest.
“On face value, it now looks very difficult to invest in.
“Something needed to be done some time ago.”
Mr Tilley said moving Richardson Park would showcase the goods shed and station.
“It makes the whole precinct more attractive and easier to invest in,” he said.
“It gets rid of a couple of layers of planning approvals.”
Mr Tilley said the Wodonga Council remained the planning authority.
The council is expected to comment once more information is available.