The redevelopment of the $330-million Stockland Shellharbour shopping centre passed another milestone yesterday when the new Woolworths supermarket was opened.
The 3600-square metre supermarket will employ 110 people, with 60 of those new positions.
A Woolworths spokesman said the remaining 50 employees were staff transferring from other areas of the company including some who were previously employed at Woolworths' Warrawong supermarket, which closed in August.
The new supermarket is in the northern section of the centre in a space previously occupied by Kmart.
Woolworths store manager Drew Burns said he was pleased Woolies was able to welcome so many new people to the company.
Mr Burns said the store format at Stockland focused on the freshness of the produce and featured an in-store bakery, butcher, delicatessen and seafood department.
"Energy-efficient lighting is also used throughout the store."
"Blinds descend over the fresh produce fridges at night, trapping the cold air inside," he said.
Woolworths' presence in Shellharbour City now stands at four, with stores already located at Warilla Grove, Albion Park and the Stoney Range complex on Lake Entrance Road.
A Woolworths spokesman said the future of the nearby Lake Entrance Road store, within 750 metres of the new centre, was secure.
The spokesman said the existing Stoney Range store was viewed as a convenient community store, while the new store was part of a "retail destination" aimed at local people and those from across the southern Illawarra and South Coast.