Designs underway for Echuca's Riverfront Entertainment Precinct

5 December 2018 - Media release

The detailed design for the Echuca Riverfront Entertainment precinct is now underway following recent state government funding.

Campaspe Shire Council Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston, said the project has three components, detailed design for the Aquatic Reserve, detailed design for an extension to the Cargo Shed on the Echuca Wharf, and detailed design for an existing train carriage to provide a food preparation area and toilets. A business case will also be completed to understand the proposed development’s economic and visitor benefits.

“The project supports the recently adopted Port Precinct Plan and the strategy to provide an arts and culture, events and entertainment hub,” Cr Weston said.

“The project will enhance the visitor experience and optimise the potential of each site to support events, weddings and festivals.”

Whilst the project only includes detailed design at this stage, the works will inform the costs, identify staging options of works, to support future funding applications.

Council received $150,000 in state government funding and council will add a further $110,000 to support the detailed design project.

In 2015 council prepared a draft concept plan for the Aquatic Reserve. This was put out for community comment with the final concept plan endorsed in February 2016.

“The concept plan outlined an exciting vision and array of infrastructure and environmental improvements to improve the site and its use,” Cr Weston said.

“Some of the outcomes and initiatives included plantings to support the ecological habitat, grassed ramps to the site, improved access across the rail line, upgraded toilet and amenity facilities, drinking fountains, low-level site lighting and more.”

The detailed design for the Cargo Shed will include an approximate 24 metre extension to the north side of the building matching the existing wall and roof line.

The last component of the project will see an existing train carriage converted to provide a suitable food preparation area at one end, and compliant unisex toilets at the other, both to support functions and events on the wharf.

“It’s great to see a project underway that supports the Port Precinct Plan, a precinct of high community interest,” Cr Weston said.

“The detailed design project is expected to be completed by the end of October 2019 which will then help council actively pursue funding opportunities to achieve our vision for the precinct.”