Traders that Fairfax Media spoke to said visitation and sales on The Levee have improved since major changes started to take place on the $372million Stockland expansion.

The Levee’s Noni B store manager Michelle Sales said trade had improved over the past few weeks and The Levee was a hive of activity.

“The food court in The Hunter Mall is always busy, and there are always people in Michelle’s Patisserie and Kmart,” she said.

 “It has been very positive.”

“I have learnt from talking to customers that many have bypassed Green HIlls and come into The Levee and they are shocked at how good it is. They’re happy the city has life again,” Ms Sales said.

Lavenders Cafe owner Steph Purdon said she has seen a massive turnaround in her business.

 “We’re doing really well and we hope it stays that way after Green Hills is complete,” she said.

She said trade started to improve on Aroma weekend.