Starting with $500,000 and a vision, Wangaratta Council is planning to change the look of its central business district.
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Administrators are expected to endorse the draft CBD masterplan to be released to the public when they meet for a special meeting on Friday.
The masterplan is the result of community consultation during the year called the “Wangaratta project”.
Council officers spoke to people of different ages, backgrounds and occupations at events and online to create a long list of ideas.
Their idea is to replace traditional planning with a focus on the city’s most pressing challenges.
The report states planning either stalled or did not result in progress for the CBD.
"Broader shifts in the economy; the impact of technology on shopping, working, learning and communicating; as well as changing tastes have affected Wangaratta's retail offer, vacancy rates and trust in the community," the report states.
Administrators allocated $500,000 in the 2015/16 budget to start the masterplan’s projects and use as contributions in funding applications.
One of the masterplan’s ideas is for a "Tastes of the Region Hub" that would be located at the current Harvey Norman store.
The hub would also include a new cafe featuring local produce in a one-stop-shop.
The masterplan states this would "create a landmark local attraction on the entry to the Wangaratta CBD in Murphy Street with the ability to generate a buzz in the local and wider tourism spaces".
"The hub would incorporate elements of gallery and display of great regional products, perhaps small offices and workspaces for producers to use when in town and promoting their products," it states.
If administrators pass a recommendation, the draft masterplan would on public exhibition for comment for 28 days.
The special Wangaratta Council meeting will be held the Council Chambers at 2pm Friday.
