Junction Place revamp to boost local jobs and business

The Victorian Government is getting on with the biggest urban renewal project in regional Australia, transforming Junction Place in Wodonga to create local jobs, attract new visitors and boost the economy.

A tour of the site has been held to celebrate the announcement of a cinema partner, with Wodonga Mayor Cr Anna Speedie, Council CEO Patience Harrington, local developer Clinton Williams from Central Place Pty Ltd, Sam Mustaca from United Cinemas and Development Victoria representatives taking the tour.

This project will inject up to $250 million into the local economy, boost visitation to the region and create local construction jobs as well as ongoing jobs in the retail, accommodation and hospitality sectors.

The project has recently hit several key milestones, including the lodgement of a planning application for a $70 million cinema and entertainment facility.

The proposed development boasts a 10-screen cinema, featuring more than 2,000 seats, an amusement centre, restaurants and national food and beverage operators.

Central Place will deliver Wodonga’s first cinema in partnership with United Cinemas – which has an established presence in NSW, WA and QLD. Construction on the cinema and entertainment facility is expected to start in mid to late 2019.

The Victorian Government is delivering the transformation of Junction Place through Development Victoria, in partnership with local developer Central Place and in collaboration with City of Wodonga.

The project is bringing new life to the former historic railway station and rail yards in central Wodonga. When completed, the project will double the size of Wodonga’s central business district.

It will also deliver a four-star hotel and conference centre, commercial office space, residential housing and a market hall.

The first stage of the precinct renewal delivered new public open spaces (The Promenade and Junction Square) and refurbishment of heritage buildings on site, which now feature award-winning restaurants and cafes, creating a food and beverage precinct in the heart of Wodonga.

Today’s visit also marks the completion of early project works including a new road named “Aurora Way” by the Council’s Places Names Committee.

It also celebrates the renaming of the former Bond Street within the development to “Jack Hore Way” in honour of the late Shire President.