After a couple of false starts, Woolworths has confirmed demolition work will start on the vacant Food for Less building within two weeks.
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The building on the corner of Short and William streets has been vacant since 2012.
An original start date for demolition for September 1 was announced in July 2018. However, this was not met.
A Woolworths spokesperson said the work will now start "within the next two weeks".
"After a successful tender process, Woolworths can confirm the contract to demolish the vacant building on Short and Williams streets has been appointed to Drumderg Services," the Woolworths spokesperson said.
"We remain on track to commence the demolition of the building within the next two weeks and expect the project will be completed by the end of the year.
"We remain committed to Port Macquarie and are exploring all options to bring a local Woolworths supermarket to the area."
The community is sure to welcome the latest news on a start date.
The grocery giant confirmed in October last year it had lodged a development application with Port Macquarie-Hastings to demolish the vacant building.
The site had been targeted by graffiti and there has been at least one fire at the site in recent times.
The supermarket operated on the site for close to 40 years and closed in 2012.
We remain committed to Port Macquarie and are exploring all options to bring a local Woolworths supermarket to the area.
- Woolworths
The DA approval to demolish is subject to conditions including that the work be completed within three months of a start date.
In 2009, Woolworths were successful in a development application to demolish and re-develop the site.
The grocery giant also showed interest in the neighbouring Plaza Car Park.
However, after a public outcry, Woolworths removed itself from discussions over the possible purchase of the car park from the state government.
Newsagency operator Chris Genders said he hoped Woolworths would not simply ‘fence off the site’.
"My fear is that it will have a big fence around it and it will become a rubbish dump and become an even bigger eyesore," he said.
It remains unclear what Woolworths has planned for the site.