Plans to double the shopping centre to 70,000sqm were put on display on Thursday for a month-long public exhibition.

They include new images of a redeveloped site.

The proposal is for the demolition of part of the existing centre and the addition of a Myer department store, another discount department store, 100 speciality stores and a restaurant precinct.

More than 2000 permanent jobs will be created by the expansion.

But Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore said traffic management for the streets surrounding the site would be the council’s major concern.

He said this was raised at a briefing with Stockland representatives last month.

“The traffic does block up, particularly at the roundabout of Mitchell Drive and Molly Morgan Drive,” he said.

“If you’re talking about doubling the floor space, it’s a fair assumption it’s going to increase traffic by at least 70 per cent.

“Of course, that’s going to be of concern to the council.”

Cr Blackmore has previously suggested an overpass for the intersection of the New England Highway with Mitchell Drive, to help cope with further development.

“I firmly believe this will not be the last redevelopment; so my suggestion is, let’s tackle it now,” he said.

“I’d like to see something put in there that will cater for more growth.”

Stockland commissioned a report on the transport implications of the extensions.

It found the surrounding road network operated at a “satisfactory level of service”, but traffic queues developed along the New England Highway and Mitchell Drive at peak times.

Proposals have included the installation of traffic signals at the access driveways on Mitchell Drive, Molly Morgan Drive and Stronach Avenue and upgrades to the existing roundabouts on Mitchell Drive.

Council acting general manager Leanne Harris said the council expected a strong response to the plans on exhibition.

They will be displayed at the council’s administration building and the East Maitland Library, as well as Stockland Green Hills.

“Given the scale of the development and its significance to Maitland, we would expect a fair amount of interest in it,” she said.

Submissions close on June 9.