Mount Alexander Shire Council is inviting the community to share its vision for the future of the Castlemaine Railway Precinct.
The council is working with the Department of Transport to develop a master plan for the precinct. The first step in this multi-stage project involves hearing from the community about how they use and interact with the area now, and their vision for its future.
The Castlemaine Railway Precinct runs alongside The Mill Castlemaine complex on Walker Street, to the southern end of Camp Reserve on Forest Street.
In recent years, the precinct has expanded and evolved to include tenants such as the Victorian Goldfields Railway, the Castlemaine State Festival and Castlemaine Circus. It features a rich collection of railway buildings and culturally significant heritage places.
Council’s manager of development services, Georgina Hope, said the development of a master plan for the site ensures the precinct will continue to thrive for many years to come.
“The purpose of the master plan, and our long-term vision is to create a thriving precinct that connects people and places, and fosters a sense of community,” said Ms Hope.
“The master plan will guide future development at the site, and include recommended improvements which aim to increase amenities, safety, business opportunities and environmental outcomes at the precinct.
“We really value the knowledge and experience of local residents, so we’re encouraging people to get involved and tell us what they think of the precinct so we know what to prioritise in the master plan.
“Specifically, we’re looking for input on what does and doesn’t work within the precinct, and what needs to happen to make the area even better in the future.
“We want the master plan to be as well-informed as possible, and that means getting down to the details of what our residents want,” said Ms Hope.
