For two years our street has been a bit like a ghost town… some would prefer to say serene and quiet. It is only four weeks away from the second anniversary of the Sunday afternoon fire that took out the shopping centre – all eight businesses including the supermarket that had just had a multi-million dollar upgrade. That second anniversary will be pretty close to the opening celebrations of the new centre that is nearing completion. The community will have its marketplace back with enhanced gathering and eating areas. As the final coats of paint are applied and signage erected, one can sense the growing anticipation. The street will be abuzz again with the sounds of people of all ages meeting, greeting and shopping.
In addition, an adjoining site has been cleared for new development. The Liberty service station has been demolished to make way for eleven additional shops and eight apartments. Our quiet residential street is about to become once again the even busier commercial hub of the suburb. Some of our neighbours will lament the loss of peaceful days. Others will relish the fresh influx of people into the street. I am looking forward to the renewed interface of church and community that these developments will make possible.
Wondering Pilgrim 