CONSTRUCTION of the long-awaited $15 million expansion of the Redlynch Central shopping centre is expected to start early next year, providing 200 jobs during construction and a further 150 full and part-time positions when completed.

Centre representative Charlie Marino said he was pleased the appeal process in the Planning and Environment Court against the Cairns Regional Council's approval of the centre's extension was over.

The extension includes two levels, a 500sq m expansion of Woolworths, 4500sq m for a new anchor tenant, 10 new speciality store tenancies and, on the second level, more car parking, a childcare centre and 450sq m of commercial space.

In February this year, Mr Marino warned that opposition to the centre had the potential to put construction back by two years. But he said last week the court issued final orders permitting the expansion.

"The owners of Cairns Central and Smithfield shopping centres dropped their opposition to the expansion of the Redlynch centre,'' he said.

"This is the culmination of about five years of works, two years of planning, two years of negotiating with council and one year of court proceedings.

"The challenge that now lies ahead is to secure tenants and build the expansion of the centre.''

He said discussions were already under way with prospective tenants and he hoped there would be announcements in the new year.

"As part of the construction process, preference will be given to local consultants, builders, suppliers and trades where possible.''

Mr Marino said the Marino family appreciated the support from the community.

"Many people would take the time to ask how the court case was going and to express their support,'' he said.

Urban Development Institute of Australia Cairns vice-president Nigel Hales said the organisation was pleased to see the approval of another significant project for Cairns.

"Charlie Marino and his team should be congratulated for their determination to bring this project to fruition despite challenging economic times,'' he said.

"It is particularly pleasing to see the council support for this project, and willingness of the developer, council and the appellants to negotiate and reach a practical resolution which will benefit the Redlynch community and it will be very much welcomed by the local construction industry.''

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