Willans Hill: Daniel Brunskill’s ‘Wagga Wagga Info Spire’ grand vision plan

A Wagga entrepreneur’s grand vision for a centrepiece for the city to boost tourism could see a 230m spire tower over the area.

The proposed Wagga Info Spire would offer people stunning views of the area.

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A Wagga entrepreneur is rallying for community backing for his bold plans to transform Willans Hill into Wagga’s “jewel crown”.

Estimated to cost up to $20 million, the multi-level building is entitled “The Wagga Wagga Info Spire” and aims to cater to various needs.

From watching New Year eve’s fireworks to romantic dining, the building aims to be “the best seat in the house for all occasions”.

An artist’s impression of what the inside of the Wagga Spire may look like.

Preliminary plans include three floors with the second and third having a tourist information centre, a gift shop and an interactive observatory.

The second floor — which would also convert into a restaurant — is set for events that cater 80 to 150 people.

At the top floor, which rises to 230m above Wagga, visitors would have uninterrupted, 360-degree “blue-ribbon” views.

Daniel Brunskill, the man behind the vision, said he has had the idea for a few years to “beautify the city’s landscape”.

Willans Hill might one day be home to a three-level building aiming to become Wagga’s “jewel crown”. Picture: Supplied

“It’s about putting a crown on Wagga. To make it that one icon that everyone will remember the city by,” he said.

Mr Brunskill said while formal paperwork has not been submitted, including Wagga Council, he was working towards submissions with “more action later this year”.

“It’d be nice to have a cherry on top of the pie,” he said.

Asked about the implications on the telecommunications infrastructure on the hill, Mr Brunskill said the design of the building would incorporate the tallest telecommunications tower.

“The spire will be easy to find for people unfamiliar with the city’s streets and completely wheelchair accessible,” Mr Brunskill said.

Entrepreneur Daniel Brunskill, who grew up in Wagga and recently moved to Sydney, is working on a vision to create a “jewel crown” in Wagga. Picture: Facebook

He said the spire may also be the new home for the Tourist Information Centre to build on the experience of visitors.

“By giving them the physical sense of what Wagga has to offer and showcasing the magnitude of the city itself,” Mr Brunskill said.

The building is also set to be narrow and eco-friendly so it would not invade environmental space.

Committee 4 Wagga chief executive Alan Johnston said it was “very positive” to see someone with ideas for Willans Hill.

“Over the years, we’ve had several discussions with council about what can be done there,” he said.

The proposed 230-metre building on Willans Hill will incorporate the existing telecommunications infrastructure.

“It’s a significant landmark in that area and while his (Mr Brunskill) plans are early, it would take a number of sectors to enable it to happen,” he said.

“Willans Hill is predominantly Crown land and that land is currently subjected to Native Title claims.

“There would be the need to embrace discussions with the Indigenous community, as well as various government levels in relation to the telecommunications side of things.”

Mr Johnston said it “certainly isn’t an easy task, but I'm all for exploring and opportunities”.

“I'd like to see him take it to the next step,” he said.