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Did you see my comment on the railway land and station. I still think that central Wodonga would benefit by utilizing the land around the old station if it was an open space/park. The old station could be used as a cultural centre/artspace with a performing arts centre eventually when/if we ever have the budget to do it. That would free up the civic centre for future council expansion and would allow Woodland Grove to revert to the war memorial that it was. The open space need not be complicated by clutter, wide paths, lawn and trees would be enough. It could be used for markets/festivals and events and could become the centre of town. Cafes/Restaurants could be developed at the rear of the shops along High Street facing the park. If we have this generous open space it wouldn't matter is the rest of High Street became multi story as we would have an oasis in the middle of it. Once the site is handed over to developers it's gone forever and it is unlikely that the opportunity would arise again. Railcorp has the power to hand it to the community.
Karen
To the best of my knowledge, there hasn't. There are already plans for the land. The rail relocation was eventually funded because of the case that Wodonga city council made, that the railway was taking up prime commercial and industrial land!
As far as I'm aware, the land east of High St will see some streets straightened up, and the block occupied by the Mann's centre squared up. Council's CEO has repeatedly stated that they expect a development application for the Mann's sight soon. Expect a multistory mixed commercial, office and residential development.
The land west of High St is an issue for council, it will cost a fair slab of money to extend services (roads, sewer, water, power, etc) to the new blocks that will be opened up. You can bet your ass that they have every intention of getting that money back by packing i nice and densly with various developments, probably industrial in focus (due to the proximity of the Mars and Visy factories).
As for the train station, I have no idea. The Chamber of Commerce has suggested a transport (taxi, bus and information centre) hub around that area. That idea costs money, and Wodonga City council doesn't have money.
What definitely will not happen on that land is the establishment of a park. Simple reason really, Wodonga City Council would have to buy the land, borrow money to do it, and wouldn't make the cost back on rates/sale/development. And the land wont be gifted, you can be assured that the various state government agencies involved intend to squeeze the land for every penny ;-)
Do you think the redevelopment of Wodonga's CBD with multi-story buildings would be good or bad for e city?
We were over there today at lunch talking about this very subject. The Tooles shop is an old icon but by Christ it's ugly. In fact most of the High Street shops are ... well not worth talking about.
Wodonga has come a long way in recent years and the re-working of its CBD is about the only thing that's holding it back and stopping it from competing with Albury.