Woolworths is today lodging its DA for the upgrading of Kiama Village.

The final plan has benefited from feedback received through pre-lodgement community consultation.

"We were really pleased to hear from the people of Kiama and it’s great that their ideas and priorities align with the vision we have for the renewal of the Centre," says Tony Pratt, Regional Development Manager, Woolworths.

"We understood the concerns locals had with the previous proposal and were able to address issues such as sufficient setbacks, no vehicle access via Meares Place and maintaining the existing footprint of the site.

"We are looking forward to working with Council through the DA proposal as quickly as possible to refresh the shopping centre and deliver the shopping experience Kiama locals deserve.

"We spent time looking at the things that make Kiama the unique town it is, and we want our designs to honour the town’s history and coastal look and feel."

Over 350 people responded to the survey, and not surprisingly 95 per cent said they wanted improved car parking. 97 per cent were in favour of expanding the supermarket's offering, and almost 90 per cent wanted improved pedestrian access.

Artist's impression from street level

The proposal includes:

• a larger, full-range Woolworths supermarket with an improved offering and inclusion of a direct-to-boot service to pick-up online orders
• the number of car parks being increased from 189 to 254, including two spaces for electric vehicle charging points 
• improved car parking layout, including an upper level
• new and continued specialty shops and services
• improved access
• refurbished centre interior
• better landscaping.

There will be no structural change to the rear car park, although there will be some line-marking and landscaping upgrades.

Woolworths Group believes it has come up with a design, materials and colour palette that are sensitive to the streetscape and acknowledge the coastal feel of the town.