The official opening of High St south and the celebration of the completion of the city heart works will take place on Saturday, August 10.
The City Heart Celebration event will run from 9.30am to 12.30pm and include an official ceremony and opening by Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie.
Activities will be dotted along High St and include music, magic, art making, facepainting and a treasure hunt.
The $20 million City Heart Infrastructure Project received $9.2 million in funding from the Australian Government and included:
- The Havelock St extension;
- Richardson Park and The Promenade at Junction Place in partnership with Development Victoria;
- Completion of South St between High and Smythe streets, including landscaping; and,
- Completion of works in High St, including accessibility and landscaping (Water Tower to Sesame Lane and Bond St to South St).
Wodonga Deputy Mayor Cr Kat Bennett said the celebration would acknowledge the major transformation of the city centre in recent years and encourage people to come and check out the new space.
“The new street is more accessible, greener and provides a more enjoyable space for stop, shop and spend time in the city centre,” Cr Bennett said.
“We acknowledge a major project such as this does cause disruption and this day is about acknowledging the changes and challenges but, at the same time, reiterating there’s no time like the present to support our businesses and enjoy our new CBD,” Cr Bennett said.
“The community told us through the Wodonga 2033 vision they wanted a community square and a vibrant central business district and since the railway line was removed in 2011, we have seen our CBD transform into a space that supports that vision.”
The four-year project included replacing the ageing infrastructure under the street including drainage and water mains which no longer supported the city’s growth.
It followed the realignment of Elgin Boulevard in 2014 and the changing of High St overnight in 2012 to one lane in each direction, allowing for more parking in the CBD and greater access to shops.
The council is partnering with Business Wodonga to host the celebration event.
Businesses are being encouraged to be involved on the day through promotion, activities, and moving out on to the pavement.