Plans revealed for $17m Woolworths in south coast town where company’s founder was born

A proposal for a new $17 million Woolworths shopping centre in the same south coast town the company’s founder - Percy Christmas - was born have been revealed.

Woolworths have revealed plans for its proposed $17 million upgrade of the Kiama Village shopping Centre.

The Australian supermarket chain recently purchased the shopping centre and has submitted plans for the upgrade with Kiama Municipal Council.

A Woolworths Group spokesman said the company quickly “commenced thinking and initial planning for refreshing” the shopping centre after its purchase.

“Prior to Woolworths Group acquiring the centre, a significant redevelopment was proposed by the former owner of the site,” they said.

Plans for Woolworths' upgrade of the Kiama Village shopping centre have been revealed.

“The previous proposal was considered too large for the site and did not align with the needs of the local community.

“Woolworths Group considered the prior proposal and community and council feedback before commencing initial thinking and community consultation.

“The proposal will be sensitive to the needs of the local community, including sufficient setbacks to neighbouring properties and landscape buffers.”

He said the company was hoping to open the new centre in late 2023 if it is approved.

“Woolworths is proud to have been part of the Kiama retail community for over 35 years through our store in the shopping centre,” the spokesman said.

Plans have been revealed for the $17 million upgrade to Kiama Village shopping centre. Picture: Kiama Council

“Our connection to the town is deeper than that, with Woolworths’ founder, Percy Christmas, born in Kiama in 1884.

“A lot has changed since that time but our focus on delivering for the south coast community has remained strong and we look forward to hearing from many of you during the consultation process.”

The spokesman said the company was planning a “bigger” supermarket with a ”better” range of products.

Upgrades of existing pedestrian pathways, a “safer, more accessible car park”, a landscape buffer from neighbouring properties and opportunities for outdoor dining are also planned.

The spokesman said a community survey of 347 residents by Elton Consulting found almost all respondents wanted a centre with a full range supermarket.

The Kiama Village shopping centre has been bought by Woolworths. Picture: Google Maps

Improved parking was popular with 95 per cent of respondents and 89 per cent wanted better pedestrian access, while 40 per cent did not want indoor dining options.

“The second most common theme related to comments about the Woolworths store in the centre,” the Woolworth’s spokesman said.

“Most of the 68 responses in this category called for a better product range; cheaper prices/similar prices compared to other Woolworths; the need to widen the store aisles; and support for click and collect and direct to boot services.”

The plans are on public exhibition via the council from October 21 to November 10.