IT was while walking along the riverfront almost seven years ago that my wife and I decided to take the plunge and move to Mildura.
The manicured lawns, landscaped gardens, water play park for our kids, historic Rowing Club complex, coffee shops, walking paths and, of course, the magnificent Murray River, spoke to the lifestyle on offer.
It certainly wasn’t the only reason we moved, but it was perhaps the clincher.
The riverfront is without doubt the jewel in Mildura’s crown and the drawcard for visitors and locals alike.
That’s why it has always bemused me when local people moan about how much money has been spent to beautify the area.
For mine, the investment by all forms of government on the riverfront has been great bang for buck.
Over the past few weeks, the riverfront has been pumping, with people out and about enjoying our hot start to spring.
And part of the attraction is the new Powerhouse precinct, which has just been officially opened, offering flexible event and eating spaces.
The project has cost around the $10 million mark, which was well above the original budget, but in truth you can’t put a dollar figure on its long-term worth to Mildura.
The stunning old Powerhouse building is the hero of the new design, and has been redeveloped with multi levels inside to cater for a wide range of events. The entire precinct sits within new landscaping, matching the rest of the redeveloped riverfront area.
Our family went for a walk through it last weekend, where the kids played in the purpose-built basement venue, which is among the features of the latest design.
The new Shippy’s Cafe was filled with people and there was a wonderful buzz about the place. A typically warm Mildura morning where the atmosphere by the river was chilled.
Mildura Rural City Council gets criticised a lot by the community, but credit must be given where credit is due, and Powerhouse Place is a winner.
When the first design for the redevelopment was released, it was criticised for a number of reasons, including the placement of a toilet block.
But council listened to the feedback and went back to the drawing board.
This new design ticks most of the boxes.
A few years back, when the project was about to begin, I sat down with then Mayor Jason Modica, fellow councillor Stefano de Pieri and then acting chief executive Martin Hawson, who has since taken on the role permanently.
They claimed at the time the new precinct would be a “game changer” for Mildura.
“Once completed, this will be yet another major drawcard for visitors to our region and the resulting economic stimulus that flows from that through spending in the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors,” Cr Modica said.
Councillor Stefano de Pieri said the project would be another major boost to economic development.
“It modernises Mildura in the sense that you can say that we are no longer the poor sister of other river towns,” he said.
“We are not only catching up but we are fronting these other destinations. It is a beautiful trampoline into what will come in the future along that section of the riverfront. There is so much happening there. It really is a reason to be proud.”
Mr Hawson said development of the plans had very much been a collaborative process with the community.
“These latest designs reflect this feedback and will celebrate the unique history of the site, creating a destination full of activity and high-quality spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy throughout the year,” he said.
“There will be a village square feel with a piazza type area. We are not trying to be Paris or anything, but where you can get that centre.”
Their words now ring very true.
