Construction of the Woolworths Marketplace Kennington Village development in Condon Street is expected to be complete by Christmas next year.  

A spokeswoman for the company said the project would create 100 construction jobs and a further 120 jobs at the centre.

“The development represents a $20 million investment in the local community,” the spokeswoman said.

“At this stage we are aiming for a 12-month construction period, with the hope to be open prior to Christmas 2014.”

Documents on a real estate website show The Reject Shop, ANZ and Bakers Delight have issued an offer to developers and Anytime Fitness has had an offer signed.

The shopping centre will have a 3800 square metre supermarket, about nine specialty stores, special use sites for cafes or restaurants, and on-site parking for 288 vehicles

A future expansion area is also listed for the former Victory Christian College site, with the population of the area predicted to grow to 34,810 by 2026.

A range of different plans had been lodged for the site.

The developer took the City of Greater Bendigo to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal over a planning dispute.

The council had wanted the centre to have better access to Strath Village and the matter was eventually resolved. 

Strathfieldsaye Supa IGA owner Mark Geyer had expressed concern over the development and another project planned for Strathfieldsaye.

“We’re not against competition but the current population figures don’t support two shopping precincts in a small shopping community like Strathfieldsaye," he said late last year. 

But Bendigo Business Council executive officer Patrick Falconer said the shopping centre would be positive for the area.

“It’s going to be great,” he said.

“Having a Woolworths there will bring more people to the area.

“There’s a desperate need for another supermarket.

“I think it will be great for that area.”