One of the most neglected areas in Wangaratta is getting a $5 million upgrade to improve the streetscape, plus add parking and two big new businesses.
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The Victorian government is confident an upgraded rail line will bring more tourists to the city in coming years and Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford said they will soon have a better connection to walk between the rail station and CBD.
“The benefits that will flow to local retailers right in this precinct will be very, very significant,” she said.
“Things are going to change here at the Wangaratta station and in this area and it’s been a long time coming.
“(The rail upgrade and beautification projects) are not absolutely related, but they certainly compliment each other beautifully.”
Ms Pulford was in Wangaratta on Thursday to announce the Victorian government and council would each contribute $2.5 million to the project.
The promise of streetscape upgrades have convinced Quest to build a 72-room apartment block, at the site of the old Wangaratta Plaza on Docker Street, which is walking distance from the rail station.
Next door will be a Dan Murphy’s bottle shop.
The rail station entrance will receive new pathways, landscaping, street lighting, an art project on the old water tower and bike hoops, plus Norton Street will be upgraded with a new pedestrian crossing, parking and street furniture.
Ms Pulford said the estimated increase in annual retail turnover in the area was $1.6 million.
“Having a strong economy, having a beautiful place to live, is just essential for people’s wellbeing, their happiness, their ability to secure a job,” she said.
Mayor Ken Clarke has been walking from his home over the other side of the tracks to the CBD for 40 years and admitted the area had “received little or no love from council over those years”.
“Personally I’ve always thought how tired this areas was,” he said.
“This has certainly become a neglected part of Wangaratta.”
The mayor said the upgrades would have huge benefits for the city.
Works are due to begin in November and will take about two and a half years.
The council has promised to consult with existing shops to ensure the project has minimal disruption.
