The GPT Group announced this week its $200 million West Keira complex would be constructed during the next 24 months, while Wollongong City Council is expected to start works on the Crown St Mall upgrade next year.

While the West Keira development, contained within its own site on the corner of Keira and Crown streets, is expected to have minimal impact on shoppers, the Crown St Mall upgrade has the potential to send shoppers fleeing for the quiet refuge of suburban shopping centres.

However, representatives for both parties yesterday reminded people to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

GPT development manager Steven Turner said every effort would be made to minimise the impact from construction on CBD customers.

"For a CBD development, we're fortunate that the West Keira site is well contained and separated from Wollongong Central and the mall," he said.

"We recognise that as with any development of this size there will be some disruption, however we'll be doing everything possible to minimise this where we can.

"Where disruption is unavoidable, we'll be ensuring the community is well informed."

Councillors are expected to decide on a direction for the revamp of the mall when the issue comes before the council at its December 12 meeting.

Councillors will be given the options of progressing with the plan put forward by the administrators, which is already with the Joint Regional Planning Panel for determination, modifying those plans or starting from scratch with a new design.

The council has already committed to not carrying out any works over the busy Christmas period each year for the duration of the project.