Village gets a new walk

By Jade Lawton
BERWICK Village has a new shopping destination.
Loveridge Walk, a new development at 39-41 High Street, is finally finished after months of anticipation.
Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce president Harry Hutchinson – who has moved his business to Loveridge Walk – said the new development had been welcomed by traders.
“The building is lovely, they’ve done really well and it is a great façade,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“The developer and City of Casey consulted to give it an old- world feel.”
So far, businesses downstairs include NAB Bank, De Fine Food and Harry’s Male Fashion.
Frank Facey is currently in negotiations to let the second-storey office spaces.
Mr Hutchinson said the development had some teething problems during construction.
“Some businesses have been severely affected by the late opening,” he said.
When storms hit the district in November last year, unconnected overflow pipes directed water to the paths of nearby businesses, and Westpac Bank was forced to close while the mess was cleaned up – a bit of an irony, considering NAB Bank now occupies the building.
“But the widening of the lane has made a difference, and it is now a major thoroughfare,” Mr Hutchinson said.
The new development will be officially opened on Monday 7 June, with City of Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford to cut the ribbon at 10am.