Not set in stone Still time for foreshore design input

As the upgraded visitor information centre, cinema and cafe complex edges closer to breaking ground a section of the community is opposing its design.

Many took the opportunity to submit questions to Wednesday’s Benalla Rural City Planning and Development committee meeting, after images of the complex were published in The Ensign last week.

Many were requesting the opportunity to provide more community feedback into the design, and project.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Danny Claridge was keen to assure local residents the design was not finalised and there was an opportunity to offer some feedback.

“Those pictures are from a 3D computer-generated model, which you can actually walk around virtually,” Cr Claridge said.

“Things like the colours, for example, haven’t been finalised.

“I know some people are concerned about the black finish.

“I can reassure the community that is just a computer-generated image to show what the building will look like.”

Some in town have questioned the colour of the bottom section of the design, which will be built from concrete blocks.

Asked if this might be a good canvas for future Wall to Wall festivals Cr Claridge said ‘‘definitely’’.

“In fact that is something the architect was asking about, with regards to the mural which is currently on the rear of the Visitor Information Centre,” he said.

Cr Claridge also confirmed the design of the lower section was made with the area’s potential to flood in mind.