WORK has started on a $1.12 million upgrade to the Red Hill shopping centre, which will include new paving, seating, street lighting and bins; a drinking fountain; planted garden beds with native grasses; improved site drainage and a new car park layout.

“The Red Hill shopping centre will receive a $1.12 million facelift, bringing new life to the centre, which has served the community for over 60 years,” TAMS Minister Shane Rattenbury said. “Locals and traders will benefit from a safer, more accessible and more attractive centre.

“There will also be an upgrade to ‘Discovery Park’, which will feature a large steel sculpture of Mr La Perouse (a French navigator after whom the main street adjacent to the shops is named); a new Red Hill Shops sign; and a new timber deck, concrete steps and pavement leading up to the shops.

“The first stage of construction will take place on the northern side of the shops in Discovery Park along La Perouse Street and Monaro Crescent. The second stage of construction will take place on the southern side of the shops and will be staged to allow continuous access to the shops. These works will involve improvements to the car park area; new pavement; street lighting; accessible paths; new garden beds and tree plantings. New street furniture including benches, a drinking fountain and bins will also be installed.”

All shops will remain accessible while construction is in progress. The project is expected to be complete by December.