THE Wodonga railway goods shed built in the early 1870s and under threat of demolition less than five years ago will be home to a beer cafe from early next year.
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The shed faced an uncertain future in the early planning for the Junction Place redevelopment site.
But the state government stepped in and committed funding to complete a makeover suitable for attracting a commercial use.
Places Victoria, which is in charge of the Junction Place redevelopment, has confirmed the beer cafe will open in the eastern end of the goods shed on Church Street.
Places Victoria precincts general manager Simon Wilson said the beer café would provide a unique food and beverage option in central Wodonga.
“The Goods Shed Beer Café will be a casual dining option within the historic atmosphere of the goods shed,” Mr Wilson said.
“This is a great way to bring new life to the restored goods shed, which will now be permanently open to the public through this beer café.
“The addition of the Goods Shed Beer Café helps Junction Place to cement its place as the food and beverage heart of Wodonga.”
Places Victoria has not revealed the beer cafe operators, but they will open Wednesday to Monday from 11am to 10pm serving lunch, dinner and an all-day menu.
Junction Place is regarded as regional Australia’s biggest urban renewal project and will double the size of Wodonga’s CBD in coming decades.
The award-winning Broadgauge restaurant in the station building was the first commercial activity attracted to the site.
The Beanstation Café will open soon in the eastern end of the station building.
Broadgauge was recently awarded a chefs hat in the The Age Good Food Guide 2016.
Mr Wilson said the beer cafe would complement the other food and beverage offerings at Junction Place and attract more people to the site.
“Junction Place continues to grow as a foodie destination for the local area, with a focus on local operators and produce,” he said.
“This new café will be a welcome addition to the precinct and will see outdoor dining areas on the Promenade which is currently under construction.”
Church Street was recently extended through Junction Place and work is underway on the Promenade area between the goods shed and station building.
