The latest expression of interest process to sell the two adjoining prime central Wodonga lots has commenced in the wake of the completion of nearby Mann Central and Woolworths shopping centres plus ongoing development at Junction Place and Wodonga Plaza.

In 2009, the two sites were re-zoned to pave the way for future development, but attempts to flush out a suitable buyer initially proved unsuccessful.

The council is bullish about luring a developer wanting to create retail, office, hospitality and residential uses within the precinct totalling 16,984 square metres with frontages to Elgin Boulevard and Smythe and Stanley streets.

“CBD West is a key site in the city centre and will build on the investment we’ve seen recently with Mann Central, Woolworths and works beginning on Junction Place,” Wodonga Council chief executive Patience Harrington said.

“This site is a key complement to the entertainment precinct around the Goods Shed and will create connections with the redeveloped Wodonga Plaza and High Street.

“We look forward to seeing what might be realised on what is one of the final key pillars of our city centre.”

Expressions of interest close in late June.

A replacement Richardson Park is to be built within the Junction Place development between the old railway station building and Elgin Boulevard as part of a $10 million federal funding package announced in 2015.

Ms Harrington confirmed Richardson Parks works were out for tender and due to begin later this year.

The pool site was cleared in 2013 with the works bringing to an end a community-driven battle to prevent the Stanley Street pool from being shut.

One of the most outspoken critics to the 2009 re-zoning, Jean Whitla, maintains it was a mistake.

“It should be left as open space and become a place of last resort in emergencies where all emergency vehicles can have access to and evacuate people,” she said.

“You could have any sort of tragedy in Wodonga and at present there is no central place to take people.

“Junction Place has become too cluttered so across the road you could have outdoor art exhibitions, dancing and night time events happening all the time.”

Junction Place developer Clinton Williams showed initial interest in buying the old pool and Richardson Park sites.

Mr Williams’ project within Junction Place also includes housing.

But according to the CBD West prospectus Wodonga’s population is expected to reach 57,634 by 2036 – an increase of 21,609 people from 2011 figures.