As far as positive new goes it’s hard to beat Kmart’s lease renewal.
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The discount department store will remain in the Maitland Hunter Mall for another 15 years as a valued employer.
It has already been here for 30 years so the renewal will take the retailer’s Maitland presence close to half a century.
The lease deal is also a big ray of hope when the CBD can really use it.
Set aside the pain of High Street traders for a moment: we all know they have struggled through 12 months of construction on The Levee project.
Kmart’s commitment demonstrates faith in a vibrant retail and lifestyle precinct for the long term.
The likes of Kmart – a subsidiary of publically listed Wesfarmers – don’t make investments of this nature lightly.
On top of that, Kmart will refurbish its shop in September.
Need further positive news?
Vicinity, Australia’s second largest shopping centre group, last week announced its $8 million redevelopment of the Maitland Hunter Mall.
What these announcements represent is a strong foundation.
A healthy mall will complement The Levee precinct which will be equal parts lifestyle and retail
precinct in Maitland City Council’s vision.
The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, perhaps said it best.
“I’m confident that the number of retailers who will be considering a home in the CBD will only grow,” he said.
“I think Kmart’s announcement is very heartening.”
There’s been much written about the heartache of CBD traders, particularly in The Levee.
There hasn’t been a lot of positive news out there lately and these pages can only reflect the reality.
Hopefully today’s announcement will give retailers hope for a brighter tomorrow.