THE foundation is set for the arrival of Kmart in Port Macquarie with construction of the retail giant's latest store becoming more evident by the day.
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Mounds of dirt sit on the Park Street site with the top soil stripped and ready for the next phase of works.
Quasar Constructions are the contractor for the project. As of this week, starting May 30, there is an estimated 36 weeks until the doors officially open with a target date of late-April to early-May 2017.
Business Development Manager James Gwynne said the estimated 36-week program is realistic if all things go to plan.
"Quasar are looking forward to delivering this project on behalf of Kmart for the local Port Macquarie community," he said.
"The expected end date of May 2017 remains a realistic target."
Previously the site played home to an old timber mill. Mr Gwynne said his company had brought it back to a level where all environmental checks have returned with a mark of "fantastic”.
"The next step is what we call a filling pad, then the footings and then the slabs," he said.
"A section 68 has now been approved which refers to us being given the green light to commence water and sewerage to the site."
Through the project Quasar has engaged in a civil contract with Bridal Group.
"In fact, we are 90-percent local with all of the civil works which is wonderful for Port Macquarie," Mr Gwynne said.
"We are also wary of noise and other construction issues that you do get with a project such as this.
"We are on the front foot with residents who have all been informed of how to keep in contact with us."
Annette Ferguson is one such resident who claims no ill-effects from the works.
"I can't speak for everyone in the area but I haven't been disturbed whatsoever. I think it's awesome that Port will finally get a Kmart," she said.
"My kids are really excited as well and my son actually enjoys all of the big machines, so it (the construction works) hasn't been an issue for me."
Neighbouring school St Josephs Primary has been kept in the loop with fortnightly meetings, according to Mr Gwynne.
"What we are striving to do is to keep the local community up to speed," he said.
"We have said to St Josephs School that we are prepared to present to the children once construction starts in earnest."
St Josephs Primary were contacted for comment but did not return calls.
