Maitland City Council urges business owners in The Levee not to lose faith in the results of the multi-million dollar upgrade as work in central Maitland continues.
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Stage one of the work, which involved reopening a pedestrian-only section of High Street to traffic, was scheduled to be finished in March.
Delays have meant that most of the work will be finished at the end of this month and the last of the paving will be completed in early June.
Council general manager David Evans released a statement last week in response to concerns The Levee traders had raised.
Traders have told the Mercury on multiple occasions that the ongoing work had a negative effect on their businesses.
The council statement noted that delays often occurred in major projects and The Levee work had been affected by three weeks of rain, unknown utility services being unearthed, and unmapped building footings from previous structures being found.
The statement also mentioned some traders’ concerns about the look and location of the council-owned kiosk in the middle of The Levee.
“While council understands these concerns, it is important for people to remember that works are not yet complete,” Mr Evans said.
“The site is more open and accessible following the gradual removal of temporary fencing, however people are yet to see the finished product.”
The Levee is part of council’s revitalisation of central Maitland.
The second stage of work, mostly funded by a state government grant of almost $10 million, will begin early next year.
It will involve the demolition of three High Street premises to make way for a river link structure that will connect the CBD to the banks of the Hunter River.
“People can see The Levee is starting to take shape, which is very exciting,” Mr Evans said.
“Component two will further enhance the space and I think everyone is eager to see the final product.”
Levee doubts:
Council is yet to determine how last week’s storms and subsequent flood will impact on The Levee construction.
“Levee construction faired quite well during the storms,” a spokesman said.
“However some site materials and equipment were stored at the Steamfest rally ground and are subsequently submerged under floodwater.
“Until this material and equipment can be assessed, the damage will not be fully understood.”
