Mildura’s riverfront redevelopment a step closer
The redevelopment of Mildura’s riverfront is a step closer with the appointment of Places Victoria to progress the Mildura Riverfront Precinct Redevelopment Stage 2 plan, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said today.
Mr Ryan said Stage 2 included the redevelopment of up to nine hectares of VicTrack-owned land located between the riverfront parkland and Mildura’s Central Business District (CBD).
“The main focus of the Mildura Riverfront Precinct Redevelopment is to build a stronger connection between the CBD and the riverfront,” Mr Ryan said.
“A stronger connection will allow improved access to the riverfront, attract investment in the local economy and create new riverfront opportunities for people to use and enjoy.”
Mr Ryan said the Riverfront Precinct Redevelopment would be delivered in two stages.
“Mildura Rural City Council is responsible for the $13.3 million Stage 1 development which has received funding from the Victorian and Federal Governments and includes the riverfront park area between the Powerhouse and Nowingi Place,” Mr Ryan said.
“Stage 2 will be led by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) and will include the VicTrack rail land between the riverfront parkland and the CBD.”
Mr Ryan said Places Victoria had been appointed to review and progress the Riverfront Development Stage 2 plan.
“A full business case outlining the project costs for Stage 2 is being finalised and will be submitted to the Coalition Government for future consideration.”
“As our appointed project manager Places Victoria has identified a number of improvements to the original Stage 2 plan that we believe strengthen the vision and viability of this important project.”
Improvements to the Stage 2 plan include:
- a new pedestrian promenade at the intersection of Langtree Avenue and Seventh Street connecting the CBD to the river;
- the realignment of Hugh King Drive to create a new riverfront park adjacent to the Rowing Club;
- new civic infrastructure such as a tourist information hub, and minor upgrades to the existing rowing club and powerhouse buildings; and
- opportunities for mixed-use development within the VicTrack rail land, including diverse housing opportunities, to be staged over the next 10 years and beyond.
RDV and Places Victoria are currently consulting with key stakeholders and the local community about the recommended improvements to the plan.
Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said the Mildura Riverfront Development was one of the most exciting projects in the region that would have significant economic benefits.
“The Mildura riverfront and marina project will boost the local economy and promote tourism growth across the Sunraysia region,” Mr Crisp said.
“A detailed consultation process will be undertaken that will help inform the preparation of the final master plan and business case for the project to be submitted to Government.”
The community will have the opportunity to participate in the engagement process by attending a public drop-in session on Friday 9 November 2012 between 3pm - 7:30pm and Saturday between 9am and 1pm on 10 November 2012 at the Mildura Rowing Club.
The drop-in session is an informal opportunity for interested members of the local community to learn about the redevelopment from project staff, ask questions and contribute towards shaping the final plan.
For more information about drop-in session please visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au or www.mildura.vic.gov.au
