Wangaratta Council has announced its railway precinct project will be the next priority in its wide-ranging city masterplan.

The area has become rundown over the years, but Cafe Derailleur on Norton Street stood out as a quirky little business – known for its art and cycling culture – so the council planned to build on its identity.

Under the plan, visitors would get “an immediate sense of character and identity for Wangaratta upon arrival”.

The city’s own water towers at the railway station would be central to the arts precinct.

“Start with the concrete water tower located on the corner of Docker and Norton streets and transform it into a contemporary, iconic landmark,” the plan stated.

Commissioning an artist with links to Wangaratta to transform the tower would be one of the priorities of the wide-ranging project, along with building a pedestrian crossing on Norton Street outside the train station.

A “bike mecca” involving a bike repair and hire workshop, doubling as a tourism information centre with accommodation and dining options, was another idea to attract cycling enthusiasts to the city.

The council will host a community drop-in session, at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on October 26 from 4pm to 7pm, hoping residents can get on board with the plans.

CBD masterplan project officer Nathan Mullane said they wanted to hear community feedback.

“We’ll be meeting with key stakeholders including adjacent residents and businesses, GOTAFE, Public Transport Victoria, VicTrack and V/Line to work through details, design opportunities and options,” he said.

“Following that meeting we’re asking anyone interested to come along to a drop in session where they can find out about the results of the stakeholder workshop and provide ideas and comments.”