After 18 years at the helm, mayor Peter Blackmore’s reign is quickly drawing to a close.
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The mayor has announced that he will step down in September.
Like all people who have served in public office for so long, Cr Blackmore will have his fans (see Scot MacDonald’s letter below) – and also his detractors.
But whatever their views, there can be no denying that the mayor is signing off in a blaze of unprecedented development and growth for our city.
That was never more apparent than in today’s Mercury.
On Page 3 we reveal that no less than 17 new stores will be opening at Stockland Green Hills in August – and with more to come, led of course by the much anticipated Myer.
We also reveal today that the budget chain Aldi will be opening its doors in The Levee on July 12. It’s another indication of the Levee’s growing appeal to traders.
With farmers markets every fortnight also seeming to strike a chord with shoppers, there’s little doubt the main street is looking in a more healthy state than it has for many years.
And, of course the second stage of The Levee development – the Riverlink archway – which will offer a striking thoroughfare between the river and High Street is dominating the streetscape and taking shape before our eyes. It is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
On the sporting front the activity is equally frenetic.
The indoor swimming pool (left), which the city has been crying out for for many years, is about to be open to the public.
The No.1 Sportsground, with its new playing surface and grandstand, is looking good – now all needs is for the Pickers to be able to get on it to play and be able to call it home.
And just outside the ground has been an overhaul of the athletics field.
If that’s not enough, council is exploring plans for a second wharf at Morpeth and a community plaza for the Lorn side of the riverbank.
All in all it’s tens of millions of dollars of development.
Right now there is plenty of activity behind the scenes with would-be mayoral candidates jockeying to take over the city’s top job.
But one thing’s for sure: it won’t be an easy role to follow.