The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the City of Wodonga’s new cultural precinct with $4 million towards the new library and gallery buildings.
Visiting The Cube in Wodonga today, Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced the Regional Infrastructure Fund grant towards the $10.2 million Wodonga Library and Gallery Redevelopment project.
The project will redevelop and expand Wodonga’s library and gallery, two of the main facilities within the Wodonga Cultural Precinct, to better service Wodonga’s community and drive visitation to the city.
The precinct is expected to have an overall economic impact of $29.9 million and create 86 jobs during construction.
The Labor Government’s investment will contribute to:
- a multi-roomed gallery space and library with a centralised, shared reception area
- an exhibition space for cultural heritage displays
- an incubator space for artists in residence and creative cultural industry business start-ups
- dedicated IT facilities
- community, business and workshop meeting spaces for educational and public programs
- a space for visitor servicing
- a retail area ‘gift shop’ relating to both arts and literature
- landscaped public spaces for public events.
The increased exhibition and performance space will support growth in Wodonga’s visitor economy, improve liveability and further strengthen the regional economy.
Following a design and consultation process, the project is planned to start construction in July 2019.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund invests in projects that improve productivity, liveability and employment in regional Victoria.
As noted by Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
"This will help deliver the Cultural Precinct and transform Wodonga’s cultural precinct for locals and visitors."
"The combination of a library and art gallery, and the establishment of a cultural business incubator will help attract many more visitors and creatives to Wodonga, and create new local jobs."
As noted by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"While this precinct is important in its own right, it will also strengthen the integration of the CBD with other recently developed hubs in Junction Place, Mann Central and the newly completed Woolworths development."
"It’s great news for Wodonga and part of our ongoing investment to increase visitation and boost employment and make North East Victoria an even better place to live."
