Last week’s decision by the Hunter and Central Coast Joint Regional Planning Panel to approve the Woolworths development application for land at Bridgman Ridge has created a lot community interest.
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The application by by Fabcot Pty Ltd sought consent for a Woolworths, BWS and speciality shops on land adjacent to Glass Parade.
It is expected the complex will cost $12.8 million – a significant injection of capital for our town at when the economy is feeling the chills winds of the mining downturn.
On hearing the news many in the community, especially residents of Hunterview and Singleton Heights and all suburbs across the Hunter River to the west of the town’s main shopping centre appeared to be pleased with the outcome.
They were happy to know they would no longer have to come downtown to do their shopping.
However many residents are also hoping the developers will ultimately include a fuel outlet in their plans as there is no existing outlet in that vicinity.
The other concern is the need for Glass Parade the main access route to the centre will be bought up to a reasoanble standard to handle the heavy traffic expected during construction and when teh centre is completed.
Glass Parade has been headache to users since it’s opening in December 2012 as within a short period of time the road deteriorated badly requiring on-going repairs.
Shop owners in the main street have also voiced concern that the complex’s development at this time may result in further closures of businesses in the CBD.
Those shop owners had to endure the disruption to their businesses caused by the redevelopment of the main street.
Most would still be recovering from that disruption and are not keen to see shoppers deserting the main street for a new shopping complex.
The question has to be asked is Singleton big enough to support another shopping precinct?
What future for the existing Singleton Height’s shopping centre – will it survive?
Or could it be possible for Singleton to follow in the footsteps of Maitland where their main street – High Street has struggled to remain vibrant as the main shopping centre is now located at Greenhills.
Is that a future we want for Singleton – some would say yes others no.