Woolworths, Aldi and Dan Murphy's have been confirmed as tenants in a new $180m shopping centre set to open between Newcastle and Maitland at the end of this year.
Chisholm residents will easily be able to pop down to the shops when the Chisholm Plaza shopping centre, already under construction by Revelop, is complete.
Located within the AVID Property Group's Waterford Estate, the centre is designed to serve nearby residents and offer a shopping alternative for the broader Maitland region.
AVID NSW general manager Danny Boubli said the tenancy announcement marked a significant milestone for the area's residents.
"Chisholm Plaza represents an important step forward for Waterford and the wider community, delivering everyday convenience and essential services closer to home," Mr Boubli said.
"More than a standalone shopping centre, this precinct will be another vibrant community hub where our residents and locals alike can gather, relax in green spaces and connect with one another.
"With no existing retail centres in Chisholm, this centre will significantly improve resident lifestyle while also creating valuable local employment opportunities."
The shopping centre will also deliver 50 specialty tenancies including a medical and allied health precinct, a childcare centre, gym, swim school and car wash.
Revelop founding director Anthony El-Hazouri said the developer's vision was to create a one-stop destination where visitors could shop, eat and play.
"Chisholm Plaza will become the true meeting point for community where all daily needs are met from grocery shopping, through to retail shopping, community services, dining and so much more," Mr El-Hazouri said
"Locals will benefit from shorter travel times to reach their doctors, grocery stores, gyms and kids swimming lessons, that's the convenience we were so determined to provide.
"We look forward to welcoming the community to Chisholm Plaza later this year, when we officially open our doors."
The milestone follows the recent launch of Waterford's final 300-home neighbourhood The Haven.
Mr Boubli said roughly 5500 residents now called Waterford home.
The Maitland local government area is one of the Hunter Region's fastest-growing areas, with the population projected to rise from 90,612 in 2021 to almost 135,000 by 2041 according to state government projections.
Maitland City Council figures show the city could eventually exceed 144,000 residents.
The area from Thornton to Millers Forest, which includes Chisholm, was specifically projected to increase its population by four per cent annually until 2041, growing the population from 15,985 in 2021 to 34,876 in 2041.
That rate is significantly higher than the state's annual growth rate of an average of one per cent.
