Kiama will soon have to deal with the reality of there being only 60 car parks available on site at Kiama Village from February to December, down from the usual 200, as the redevelopment gets underway.

With most retail tenancies having already vacated the centre, either temporarily or for good, Woolworths has today begun its site preparation for the redevelopment - which will involve the installation of site fences, hoardings around the external facing tenancies and signs.

While the centre will be open throughout the construction work, only Woolworths, BWS and the chemist will continue to trade. During that period, Woolworths is introducing a 60 minute limit for parking and will be ensuring its retail and construction team park offsite.

In the end result, there will be much more parking

In a letter being delivered to neighbouring properties, Woolworths is encouraging customers to consider shopping during off-peak times, walking whenever possible and utilising home delivery or Direct to Boot services available at its nearby stores.

The work is to be completed in two stages:

February to April

• works will be undertaken to build the new access road and the rear car park close to Meares Place
• customer vehicular access will be provided via a new access on Terralong Street
• safe pedestrian access into the store will be provided from Terralong Street via the existing pedestrian walkway; and from Meares Place via the existing stairs.

Hoardings now up

May to December

• works will be undertaken to build the new decked car park and the new Direct to Boot facility
• works within the supermarket will also take place, to allow expansion of the range and to provide a fresh new look
• the rear car park close to Meares Place will be open to the public for this Stage
• customer vehicular access will be provided via the existing roundabout
• safe pedestrian access into the store will be provided from Terralong Street via the new access road; and from Meares Place via the existing stairs.