Originally published February 3, 1996

DESIGN proposals for a $70 million "Sunraysia 2000" waterfront and rail freight development project were unveiled in Mildura.

Architects and urban designers, Bates Smart, completed the designs on behalf of the Mildura Rural City Council, in association with the Sunraysia Development Corporation.

The project highlights potential developments along the riverfront if the rail system, currently running between the city and the river, was redirected.

Developments include an entertainment sound shell, a new wharf, a five-stores viewing tower, a convention centre, a multi-storey hotel/motel, an elevated restaurant built over the current rowing clubhouse, an interpretative centre and a maritime museum.

The design suggests a new pedestrian friendly streetscape which includes changing Seventh Street into a tree-lined boulevard.

MRCC technical services and infrastructure director Bill Nicol said a period road tram could carry passengers between each precinct as well as to and from the new visitor centre on the corner of Twelfth Street and Deakin Avenue.

The new wharf development would provide permanent mooring for Mildura's paddle boats and steamer, Mr Nichol said.

It was suggested the existing rail freight shed could be kept and turned into a heritage-style coach terminal.

Spanish steps style access to the riverfront from the end of Deakin Avenue was also among the plans.

Riverfront development has been talked about since the Sunraysia Regional Development Strategy was conceived in 1994.