WITH the $17M redevelopment of the Maude Street Mall edging ever closer to completion, The Adviser thought it would be an opportune time to find out what the traders and their customers thought about the new and improved shopping precinct.
Manager of Jeff Young Shoes, Peter Hampstead said, “I think the mall looks really good. It really needed an update.
“The garden areas are nice, and it will be even better when the traffic is flowing through it.
“Most of the customer comments have been positive with only a few saying it doesn’t look all that different, but we are very glad the boards have all come down. They created bad light, a lot of noise and congestion,” Peter said.
Concurring with Peter about the construction phase, Shelley Culhane of Focus Cards and Gifts said, “During the period the works were occurring, it was really tough. We struggled through but we’ve come through the other side, and we are looking forward to the future of the mall.
“It would be wonderful if the street party and grand opening that were planned could go ahead as soon as possible. The date keeps being pushed back; it would have been preferable to have it prior to the new year commencing.
“Social media coverage and even physical signage throughout the CBD indicating the mall and playground are now open would really help traders out,” Shelley said.
Also looking forward to the grand opening, The Footy Korner’s proprietor John Cooper said, “I am hoping music will play through the mall and it is a good space for entertainment and little events.
“The customers really like it and when the trees grow it will be an even nicer place to come, but I noticed on the other side of the mall on warmer days there is a bit of glare coming off the road and it needs some shade cloths,” John said.
Another trader, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed that shade clothes as well as more undercover walkways were needed saying, “It’s very glary and there is not enough shade, I feel like I’m squinting when I’m serving.
“They have done a great job, but my only concern is that we don’t have an undercover walkway,” the proprietor said.
