Woolworths, as the new owner of Kiama Village, is beginning the process of refreshing its store and the entire complex by asking locals to give them feedback on what they would like to be included, before the DA is submitted in September.

But brace yourself for a wait after that, as the facelift isn't expected to be completed until 2023, despite it being a much more modest and keeping to the current footprint.

"We're excited about the opportunity to revitalise the shopping experience for our customers at Kiama Village and are eager to hear from the local community," says the person leading the project, Tony Pratt, Regional Development Manager of the Woolworths Group.

"The first and most important step is for us to listen to residents of Kiama and we're keen to capture their ideas, concerns and vision for the renewal of the centre over the coming weeks.

"The community feedback will help inform our designs before we lodge plans with Kiama Council."

Woolworths' holding

Woolworths is inviting people to register for two webinars it is holding, on Tuesday 31 August at 6pm and on Thursday 2 September at 3pm.

They say it will be an opportunity "to share your thoughts and local knowledge with the team".

The retailer is also encouraging people to complete an online survey, which asks about whether, and how strongly, various aspects are important to them (such as improved car parking, pedestrian access, dining options, the look and feel, etc); what sort of shopping/dining options you would like to see; and any other important observations you have about how the centre should be improved.

A website dedicated to the project has been launched, to host the survey, take registrations for the webinar and provide information.

Planning to date includes:

• a larger, full-range Woolworths supermarket with easy pick-up of online orders, including direct-to-boot services
• new and continued specialty shops and services
• improved car parking
• improved access
• refurbished centre interior
• better landscaping.

Woolworths and other retailers will continue to trade throughout the project, with parking disruption during construction to be professionally managed.

Fun fact: The founder of Woolworths, Percy Christmas, was born in Kiama in 1884.