THE Weatherall Masonry site on the Lincoln Causeway could be transformed into a major tourist caravan park near the Murray River.
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Owner Tom Weatherall has put together a plan for the next chapter in the site’s history which included a tannery before his late father Vyv created a brick works in 1962 with the business employing more than 20 people in its heyday.
But the land between St Ives pub and a fun park has degenerated into an eyesore in recent years.
Concept plans for the caravan park have been presented to Wodonga Council and discussions are underway with the North-East Catchment Management Authority.
Flood studies are also being carried out.
“I am going to find a use for this block of land,” Mr Weatherall said.
“I don’t think an industrial site is in keeping with what Wodonga or Albury wants to do on this site.
“I’m looking for some encouragement and I’m certainly getting some encouragement from Wodonga Council.
“The existing caravan parks in town do a great job, but this is aimed specifically at lifestyle and experiencing the river.
“Bottom line is we are going to do something and we would like to do something really nice with it.”
They transferred the liquor licence when Elgins _ formerly known as the Wodonga Hotel _ was built before World War II.
Vyv Weatherall died two years ago and his son said Albury-Wodonga was ready for a caravan park close to the river catering for grey nomads and short-term accommodation needs for visiting tradies.
“It’s my opinion it is the best use for the site,” he said.
“It has some seriously good synergies with Gateway Island.
“I think Albury-Wodonga really lacks something that is primarily tourist and addresses the river.
“I would argue establishing a precinct here which links into all the other things only enhances the tourist opportunities for this causeway area,” he said.
Wodonga Council confirmed the plan’s existence.
“Council officers have had informal discussions over time in regards to Gateway Island and to assist in the development of an idea of a caravan park at the location,” a council spokeswoman said.
“There has not been a formal proposal put forward to the council and it is our understanding that the requirements of the catchment management authority would need to be met.”
