THE much awaited renovations to Rose City Shoppingworld are in full swing this week.

The $40million expansion includes the construction of 160 new car parking spaces with a new basement entry off Fitzroy St, 20 extra specialty shops, an enhanced foodcourt with seating provided for up to 250 and a new parents room and amenities.

A section of road on Fitzroy St is now closed for about three months to facilitate infrastructure works adjoining the centre, with the final redevelop- ment expected in mid-2017.

McConaghy Group managing director Robert McConaghy said the redevelopment was designed to bring a modern shopping experience that was still in keeping with the heritage style of the Warwick CBD.

“We are very proud to be bringing this enhanced shopping experience to Warwick,” he said.

“This will be a welcome addition to the CBD and boost the local economy through additional jobs and retail spending in the town.

“We expect 200 permanent local jobs to be created and for Rose City to attract shoppers from throughout the region and northern New South Wales.”

Other features include a new travelator and a new lift with access to the expanded undercover parking, and a new landscaped arbour adjacent to Leslie Park.

Demolition work is now under way at the former BI-LO supermarket to make way for basement excavation and has been completed at Magnolia Arcade and Golders on Palmerin St. Southern Downs Mayor Tracy Dobie said the expansion was a major coup for Warwick.

“Council has a strong interest in working with business and industry to attract new investment to our region to stimulate the economy and create employment opportunities for residents,” Cr Dobie said.

“This redevelopment will generate a considerable number of jobs, both during the construction phase, and on completion, and young people could benefit from the anticipated addition of a number of new retail shops.

“Council appreciates the closure of a section of Fitzroy St will cause some inconvenience to motorists during the construction phase, but this short-term pain will reap some long-term economic and employment gains for Warwick and the broader Southern Downs region.

“We also want to assure residents that the redevelopment and partial street closure will not impact on the dressing of trees for the upcoming Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival.”

Rose City Shoppingworld centre management has relocated to Palmerin St.

Information to customers on the redevelopment will be available in the centre or by contacting centre management on 4667 0142.