Work commenced in 2006 to construct Inverell’s first shopping centre in the middle of the CBD, and its developer is hoping it will attract new businesses to Inverell.

The development is on the site of one of Inverell’s oldest operating businesses, Hong Yuen & Company, which was established in 1899.

Harry Fay, who is at the centre of this major development, said the project was complicated because construction had to work around existing and relocating businesses, in a staged development.

“We are on track though, and expect to open for trading in late September,” Mr Fay said.

Current stores in place, including Ritchies Supa IGA, will be extended, while inclusions, such as a liquor store and at least 12 specialty shops and a common area plaza arcade, will bring a whole new look to the CBD.

“The complex includes brand new high profile main street CBD location, and very high passing foot traffic,” Mr Fay said.

“It’s a growing regional town, with no water restrictions, great customer parking, and within 500m of a recently approved Big W store.

“The 2009 finalisation of the Hong Yuen Plaza project will include many exciting features for customers and plaza tenants,” he added.

“This will be Inverell’s first undercover parking, and Inverell’s only arcade that actually goes somewhere.”

The Hong Yuen Plaza arcade will be the only entrance for customers to the large Ritchies Supa IGA supermarket and liquor store, meaning that the arcade shops will all have high passing traffic.

The Daily traffic count in the arcade expected to be between 7,000 - 9,000 shoppers having access seven days a week. Two committed, long term anchor tenants, Ritchies Supa IGA and Mitre10, are already in place.

New England Credit Union is the third tenant, with 13 other specialty shops now leasing.

The large carpark at the rear of the plaza, and all-weather entrance to an underground carpark, should make shopping and getting to and from the car more comfortable. There will also be an outdoor undercover Café ‘alfresco’ common area at rear of the plaza.

“We will ensure the heritage façade building with historical display inside the entrance will focus shoppers’ attention on the history of the site.”