THE refurbishment of the Narooma Plaza is now underway with the painting, extension and revamp of the central area under the dome. The Plaza manager Mark Anderson tells us that most of this section will be retained in the new development. However refurbishments to it include extending the popular Roxy’s Café deck and a new kiosk and seating area on the upper level under the dome where shoppers will be able to enjoy coffee and cake. The planter boxes will also be removed, the surface will be retiled and facilities offered as a new business venture.

Work will also begin on the lower level where the bookshop used to be turning it into what will be the “services precinct” in the new development housing Centrelink and other service businesses.

Mr Anderson said the shopping centre redevelopment is on track to begin in October this year with the first major stage being the construction of a new 3200sqm Woolworths behind the current supermarket.

The next stage will be the demolition of the existing Woolies that will be replaced with a discount department store.

Other stages will see new on-grade parking facilities and over 2000sqm of new retail space with the entire project set to be complete by September 2010.

“It’s working well on all fronts,” he said.

Plaza management was still negotiating with the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) on access roads, but did recently get a minor change to its development application approved by the Eurobodalla Shire Council.