Artists are currently turning the old water tower on Norton Street into an interactive mural, inspired by native floral and fauna, and the Bpangerang concept 'Dirrawarra' meaning together or united.

New York-based design studio Thinkcraft, led by Beechworth-born Sophie Hanover and her partner Alex Post, were awarded the commissioned by Wangaratta Council as part of the wider railway precinct enhancement project.

Ms Hanover, who splits her time between the North East and New York, said visitors would be able to access a website and interact with the site's lighting to unveil different aspects of the design at night.

"The corner is typically a dark and unwelcoming place, so we wanted to create something welcoming and meditative... and create something of beauty in the space [locals] could come to whether it's day or night," she said.

Her team worked with local ecologists to identify key species native to the area to feature on the design.

"We love it when we get an opportunity to tell stories that have a sense of place and context," she said.

Wangaratta Art Gallery director Simone Nolan said the community's interest in the project and the wider precinct redesign had been overwhelming and positive.

Two public art works have already been installed Weave, which is inspired by town's textile history, and Five Leaves, which features May Gibbs' Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Ms Nolan said the overall development was opening the precinct up as a gateway to the city.

"With all planting, placemaking and public art, part of that is creating space people can stay around longer and be inspired," she said.

"Experiencing art in the centre of a regional city is a real point of difference for Wangaratta, it's about embedding it into the community's every day life. That's what public art is meant to be, part of everyday life."

Ms Hanover said public art was always somewhat controversial at first but helped create a community sense of pride as well as drawing visitors.

The Beacon is due to be completed in four weeks.

- SOPHIE BOYD