The retail commercial centre, located on the corner of Keene Street and North Avenue, has been developed from the previous ambulance station building that was in place for over 50 years.

Construction began at the start of this year, using the skeleton of the ambulance station to create the centre, as well as adding two new buildings.

VC Management is overseeing the development, and CEO Lee Woodward said the location of the building being in between two supermarkets was a big drawcard along with the structure of the building.

“The position of the development is obviously crucial,” he said.

“I love the lines of it.”

Mr. Woodward said he was drawn to the Cessnock area by the growing population, the history, the architecture of the town and the proximity to the vineyards, and believes the development is ‘hopefully going to be a good facility for this town.’

“We want to make something really quite smart and interesting,” he said.

“It gives a focal point to the centre of Cessnock.”

There are nine spaces under agreements to lease in the building, with a Coffee Club and a Pizza Capers planned to go in to the space.

There is also an upgraded courtyard proposed for the space, for indoor/outdoor alfresco dining or social area.

Cessnock Chamber of Commerce president Geoff Walker said he is excited about the development.

Mr. Walker said the development will create a major linkage between the major supermarkets as well as bring new and unique businesses to town.

Construction of the building has temporarily blocked access to the footpath surrounding the building as well as the pedestrian crossing on North Avenue, which has raised concerns among local pedestrians.

Mr. Woodward said the construction has passed all safety regulations with council; however Cessnock resident Michael Hawkins said he does not see how.

“It is a liability forcing people to walk on the road,” he said.

“I just don’t see why they should be able to get away with it.”

Mr. Hawkins used the development at 101 Vincent Street to demonstrate the difference in pedestrian access around the development, as this has a temporary walkway for pedestrians.

“It’s a miniature little construction,” Mr. Hawkins said.

Council officers have inspected the Cessnock Central site in response to recent complaints regarding the temporary removal of the marked pedestrian crossing in North Avenue. 

“The applicant obtained the necessary approvals prior to commencing works and closing the pedestrian crossing, however, it has been observed that the majority of people are ignoring the existing barriers and signage in order to utilise the crossing,” a council spokesperson said.

In consideration of this, the contractor has agreed to install additional water filled barriers at three locations and alter the existing signage to improve the movement of pedestrians.

Mr. Hawkins said that even if the development does pass safety laws, he believes it is a courtesy thing and that paid traffic controllers should be implemented immediately.

“If I was a developer, I’d be saying let’s make friends with the community,” he said.

A portion of footpath was poured last week, allowing the pedestrian crossing to be reopened.

Mr. Woodward said he believes there should be more pedestrian crossings in the area, and would recommend this to council.