Speculation international fashion retailer H&M will set up shop in the $412 million Stockland Green Hill’s redevelopment has prompted a huge community reaction on social media.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Maitland Mercury’s Facebook page was flooded with comments most expressing their excitement at the mix of stores likely to be on offer in the new look centre.
Fairfax Media reported this week how retail giants H&M and Harris Scarfe are expected to open new stores in the centre and family entertainment leader Timezone is tipped to be a flagship attraction in the new leisure precinct.
Stockland Green Hills Centre Management has remained tight lipped about the impending openings of the three stores but workers in the centre have reportedly spoken freely and with excitement about the big-name arrivals.
However, Stockland Development Manager Daniel Brabant said in a media release that the company is continuing to make great progress on the redevelopment and is looking forward to delivering an exceptional leisure, entertainment, fashion and food offering for Maitland people.
“This significant redevelopment is a key project in our national retail development pipeline and will cement Stockland Green Hills as the premier retail centre in the Lower Hunter region,” he said.
“The new Stockland Green Hills will redefine shopping for the region with the arrival of a number of big name brands reflecting our ability to attract retailers that meet the needs of our customers,” he said.
“We appreciate the level of interest and support from retailers, customers and council and we will continue to provide updates as and when they are available.
“We are now gearing up for the opening of our first stage on April 27 and look forward to announcing more retailer news for the centre in the coming weeks and months,”Mr Brabant said.
Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore is excited about the development and said any new retail brands coming to the city will make for great consumer choice and refreshing change.
“They will compliment the total development which also includes the cinemas,” Cr Blackmore said.
Maitland Business Chamber President Craig McGregor said Stockland outlined the time frame for the development at the last chamber meeting.
“Best and Less will open in April followed by Target in November 2017 with David Jones and another major retailer mid 2018,” Mr McGregor said.
“If reports in today’s Mercury are confirmed, having H&M and Harris Scarfe along with a Timezone just adds more weight to maintaining the local spend which is exciting for our region.
“What excites the chamber the most about the Stockland’s redevelopment is the potential to claw back over $1 Billion dollars in leakage from our region to retail centres in Newcastle and beyond.
“Keeping that money local is relevant on many levels such as community engagement from business owners but most importantly with employment,” Mr McGregor said.
