27 March 2019 - Media release

Campaspe Shire Council has today released a draft Echuca Creative Art Space Master Plan, a plan to develop an arts and culture space within Echuca’s Port Precinct.

Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said the plan is closely tied to the overall Port Precinct Plan vision, ‘a place to take your time, relax and enjoy yourself’, and links with the key objective to create an arts and culture, events and entertainment hub.

“The Art Space Plan builds on the rich history of the precinct and its buildings and aims to reinvent them as a cultural hub for all to enjoy and interact with,” Cr Weston said.

“The area is designed for everyone to create and view art, host events and street markets, provide retail outlets and be place that celebrates history, creativity, connectivity and our diverse community.”

The plan outlines short, medium and long term projects in a coordinated approach to support future planning and funding applications.

Potential projects in the plan total approximately $3 million and include upgrades to the Foundry Art Space, fencing and landscaping, art workshops, refurbishment of the Old Brothel and Murray Hotel and upgrades to Little Hopwood Street.

“With redevelopment of the Riverboat Dock area underway, major redevelopment of Victoria Park and Scenic Drive planned, and now a plan for a creative arts space, it is a very exciting time for the precinct and region.”

The draft plan has been prepared following community input from March to May last year.

“Council is now seeking community input into the draft plan to ensure it represents what the community told us,” the Mayor added.

To support community discussion on the draft plan, a drop-in session will be held at the Foundry Art Space, Murray Esplanade on Thursday, 4 April from 3 to 6pm.

Comments close on Friday, 12 April with more details available on council's website.

Once community comment closes, the Echuca Creative Art Space Master Plan will then be presented to council for consideration.