People have until 10 November to comment on Woolworths’ DA for upgrading Kiama Village.

As foreshadowed by Woolworths in its pre-lodgement consultation (Have your say on the revamp of Kiama Village), the DA is seeking permission to upgrade the centre largely within its current building footprint (with the extra room dedicated to a direct to boot service area) and expand car parking through a two level solution that, combined with the existing rear parking, will create space for 254 cars (up from 189).

The traffic report reveals it is proposed to introduce controlled parking, with a free period for customers, through the provision of number plate photo recognition for entry/exit and boom gate controls at the exit points.

After entering from the Thomson St roundabout, you will be able to choose to park in the basement level (95 spaces) or drive up to the rooftop level (82 spaces) or the rear carpark (65 spaces). The carpark will be serviced by a lift and a travelator.

The rooftop level will provide access to the new direct to boot service area for Click and Collect.

Pedestrians will be encouraged to go up to the main Terralong St access area, which will have stairs and a ramp, and pass through an outdoor eating area before the main entrance.

The proposed internal changes include a 20 per cent increase to Woolworths’ retail space (including BWS), largely created by extending its boundary 1.6 metres into the other retail area.

The current central island of shops is to be replaced by two freestanding retail kiosks, as part of 14 speciality retail and food outlets. Some of these will be configured to be accessed from outside, to liven up the entrance area.

The work will be undertaken in stages, with the centre remaining operational the entire time.

Stage one will involve improvements to the rear carpark, which will take six weeks.

Stage two will see the remaining carpark area demolished and the construction of the new multi-deck carpark.

The internal refurbishment will be undertaken in conjunction with the carpark works.

Details of the proposal are currently on exhibition on Council’s DA Tracker on its website.