$4 million Ned Kelly Heritage Centre approved for Glenrowan

Announced yesterday in Lions Park, the project is largely funded by the Victorian state government who are chipping in $3.5 million.

The Rural City of Wangaratta are supplying the remaining $500,000 in funding.

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Wangaratta mayor Dean Rees said the project will be a great thing for the community.

"This will be something that will properly tell the story of Ned Kelly, whether you're a believer in Ned Kelly, a sympathiser, or a hater of Ned Kelly it's going to tell the story here," Cr Rees said.

Cr Rees said he expects the project to bring "hundreds of thousands of dollars" into Glenrowan which will help attract new residents and new business.

The mayor said the new attraction will also have a positive effect on pre-existing Glenrowan businesses.

Also in attendance was member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes who described the project as something that will capitalise on the historical significance of Ned Kelly.

"This is a project that came off the back of the government really wanting to make investments in tourism to promote economic stimulus for country towns in the context of a recovery from the pandemic last year," Ms Symes said.

"This is about having a dedicated modern facility to really activate this town again."

The state member said that with the recent influx of tourists to North East Victoria, it was prudent to modernise regional tourist destinations and attractions to help better tell their stories.

Construction of the project will begin in November and is due to be completed by June 2022.