Online shopping could be popular in Maitland this Christmas as the city undergoes construction at its two major retail centres.
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Work started on stage two of The Levee late last month and construction on the Stockland Green Hills redevelopment is in full swing.
Central Maitland traders have been bracing themselves for round two of The Levee project.
While some traders said the construction of the Riverlink building is short term pain for long term gain, others questioned council’s timing to begin the work so close to Christmas, particularly when Green Hills was also under construction.
Long time Maitland business operator Michael Johnston of Johnston’s Shoes said he is disappointed that work would start in the lead-up to the busiest trading time of the year.
Michelle Sales from Noni B said trading has been going gangbusters however she was a little concerned about car parks being lost during the construction phase.
Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore said traders had some valid points.
“We are certainly very mindful of the possible disruptions and of course we will try to work around this with traders so we can minimise any disruption that will be there,” the mayor said.
“What we are doing in The Levee is encouraging businesses to open when people want to come out and go shopping on Sundays,” he said.
“It’s rather disappointing when you have a new look in the central business district, and there’s no doubt we are attracting people back, but some businesses are not open.”
Construction on the Riverlink building began on Monday, October 24.
Stages of work include demolition, foundations, ground floor slab, superstructure and roof, walls, doors and windows, internal fit out, and public domain works and public art.
Council’s executive manager of major projects Wayne Cone said work on the Riverlink building is expected to be complete by late 2017 and the remaining works to The Levee are likely to be finished in early 2018.
Stage two includes development of the Riverlink building in addition to lane ways, improvements to High Street either side of the shared zone, and an upgrade of the Bourke Street link from High Street onto the Riverwalk.
Mr Cone said construction will not impact on existing parking and the majority of work contained to three properties, with reduced impact on public areas after demolition.
“Once complete council looks forward working with businesses and property owners to fulfill the aim of transforming the space into the premier lifestyle precinct for Maitland,” Mr Cone said.
