The Levee shared zone is open to vehicles and pedestrians.
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The mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, cut the ribbon on Thursday afternoon.
“The reopening of the street is something retailers have wanted for some time,” he said.
“I encourage people to come here and have a look.”
Traffic entered the precinct on Thursday afternoon.
“The time for negativity is over,” Cr Blackmore said.
“A greater mix of shops will help The Levee become a lifestyle precinct.”
Maitland City Council general manager David Evans said the signs were already encouraging.
“There’s already been some benefit if we’re honest about it,” he said.
“The number of vacancies throughout The Levee has already decreased and we think it will be successful in boosting trade.”
As if to prove the point, another shop was undergoing a refit when Cr Blackmore rumbled through The Levee in a hotrod.
Traders like Kris Murphy at Strandbags were relieved.
“It’s so good for it to be open finally after a long haul,” the manager said. “The pavers and the seating look excellent.”
A car with a disabled parking permit pulled up outside the chemist.
“I think it will be really good to help the elderly people,” Mrs Murphy said.
The opening even prompted more foot traffic.
“The Levee has been bustling today,” Blues Child boutique acting manager Anna Critchley said.
“Really, with every week that’s gone by recently the busier it has been.”
The honour of first vehicle through The Levee – the first on that stretch of High Street in 27 years – was shared between Ron Alexander, in his 1928 Ford Tudor and Cr Blackmore, who sat beside him.
Mr Alexander was asked to do the first drive as a member of the Maitland Street Rodders, which will host a vintage car show in the mall next weekend.
“I was very happy to be invited and be a part of Maitland’s history,” he said.
“It looks very impressive.”
The Ford was followed by a 1929 Chevy and plenty of residents got in on the action to follow the cavalcade down the reopened street.
The man who stole the show
The plan for The Levee opening called for mayor Peter Blackmore to cut the ribbon, climb in a hot rod and take the maiden drive through the new precinct.
But the plan never reckoned with Ted Ross and his mobility scooter.
“Hey, look at me,” Mr Ross said with a grin, as Cr Blackmore cut the ribbon.
“I’m the first motorised vehicle.”
And before the dignitary-loaded hot rods started rolling , the cheeky Maitland senior hit the scooter’s accelerator and cut ahead of the official parade.
Mr Ross had done more than just steal their thunder, he had whizzed into history as the first person to drive down the freshly minted road in 27 years.
The man dubbed Mr Cool told the Mercury : “You better put me in the paper for this one.”
