Mayfield's muddy eyesore could soon be a thing of the past after confirmation Coles is poised to finally gain approval for a new shopping centre on Maitland Road.
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After years of talks, Transport for NSW and Coles confirmed on Wednesday that they had reached agreement on road upgrades to a nearby intersection, paving the way for the project to proceed.
"Coles is working with a local Newcastle company, Mayfield Ventures (MV), to develop a new shopping destination for Mayfield residents which will include a state-of-the-art Coles supermarket, Liquorland and six speciality retailers and create more than 100 new local jobs," the company said in a written statement.
"The Roads & Maritime Services has approved the Maitland Road/Havelock Street intersection upgrade, and Coles continues to work closely with council to finalise the approval of the Section 138 Roads Act.
"Mayfield Ventures (MV) will begin construction works once the Roads Act is approved and Construction Certification is issued."
The saga of the Maitland Road redevelopment has dragged on for nine years, angering local residents and business owners affected by the large vacant site.
The Newcastle Herald reported in January that Coles had lodged revised plans for the $17 million project with Newcastle council.
The council approved that development application in February, but the supermarket giant was still locked in talks with Roads and Maritime Services over traffic access to the shops via Havelock Street.
Transport for NSW said it had accepted the intersection design, including "provision of new right turning lanes at the existing traffic lights into Havelock and Corona streets from Maitland Road".
The council confirmed it was now assessing the Section 138 application from the developer.
A first incarnation of the project was approved in 2010, but the plans were amended several times over the ensuing seven years until they were approved again after Coles took the matter to the Land and Environment Court in 2017.
The Newcastle Herald has been told Coles is in the process of selling the site to a consortium of local business people and will rent the land back.
It is understood work could start next month.
The shopping centre will include 250 parking places.
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