An Aberglasslyn man who promised his family Sunday lunch and an afternoon in Maitland’s $17 million The Levee was left disappointed when one of only two food offering was doughnuts and almost every business was closed.
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Justin Harris, who recently moved to Maitland, had expectations of a thriving mall area, bustling with families on a pleasant Sunday.
“What I got was an abandoned mall with Kmart, Subway and Doughnut King the only businesses open,” he said.
“I was expecting a Darby Street or Newtown experience – cafes, restaurants and entertainment,” he said.
“Sunday is generally a family oriented day and most families enjoy the day together with good food, laughs and entertainment.”
Mr Harris, general manager of The Bradford Hotel at Rutherford, thought there would be a wider variety on offer at The Levee.
“There is the choice of surrounding pubs and clubs, but nothing beats a good street vibe in an area like The Levee. Atmosphere is important and The Levee is lacking any spark.
“If you are after a secondhand book or a bank then it’s the place to be.”
Mr Harris said it was the first time he had been in Maitland city centre in about 15 years and when he heard about the new-look Levee precinct and the money that was spent on it he had expected a different experience.
“The investment so far in The Levee is great for the Maitland community, but it’s like replacing the carpet in a house. That alone will not make it a home.
“Morpeth has more to offer than Maitland CBD. To improve and change the vibe in the mall area business operators need to change their ideas of running a successful business. A will to change, to make The Levee a destination for families and visitors,” Mr Harris said.
Levee news disappointing says mayor
Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore said he was shocked to hear Justin Harris’s comments believing more eateries would have been open in The Levee on a Sunday.
Cr Blackmore said he thought Michelle’s Patisserie would have been open and there would have been the options of Maitland Leagues Club, the Belmore and Imperial hotels.
“I find that really disappointing and here we are promoting the fact that there will be a lot of eateries using The Levee to trade,” he said.
“For families to eat out it can be costly and there is definitely a market there to cater for families like Mr Harris’s.”
“Traders should take note of what Mr Harris is saying because with young families you want a wider choice.
“Obviously we can’t force traders to open their doors on Sundays. They are entitled to trade on what days they want and at what times.
“However if more people made their feelings known there would be a lot more using these facilities and perhaps that would encourage more operators to open.
“Of course you are going to get some retailers come out and ask if council will guarantee them a certain return, which we can’t.
“I can also understand the issue of paying penalty rates as well.”
