In 2016 Jonathan Archibald, of Milestone (Australia), lodged the application to build a new $6.471 million ALDI store in Narang Road, the site of the former Nowra Skateway roller skating rink, just off the Princes Highway roundabout.

The application was approved, and will expire in 2021.

Aldi has not been quick to develop the site.

Last June, an Aldi spokesperson said there were "no updates," and the store was "not on our radar at this time".

On Wednesday, July 22, a spokesperson said Aldi "anticipates commencing construction later this year subject to approvals from the relevant authorities".

It is not known what those additional approvals may be.

The original application included the demolition of the existing building and construction of the store, including business identification signage, associated car parking and landscaping.

The site is located at 1 and 54 Narang Road, and comprises two lots but the proposal also includes minor associated works to neighbouring lots.

The site is irregular in shape with a total area of 7,143 square metres and holds a single street frontage to Narang Road of 76.09m.

The site is zoned B4 mixed use under the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014, with the proposed store considered to be an appropriate use of the site.

The new 1,815 square metre store, includes a loading dock at the northern end to accommodate up to 19m semi-trailer.

A 99 space car park will also be constructed with vehicle entry and exit points (including truck access) to Narang Road.

Permission was sought to operate the store between 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, but most Aldi stores typically trade from 8am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.

The extended hours would provide future flexibility to operate without the need to seek a modification should trading hours need to be increased.

Loading and unloading will occur 24-hours per day, seven days per week.

The store will compete with the almost-completed Bomaderry Woolworths store nearby.

The $13.8 million supermarket is taking shape and is on line for an expected opening in August.

Of course, that also depends on favourable weather conditions to allow construction to continue.

The 25,000 square metres (2.47 hectares) site on the former John Bull Centre location near the corner of the Princes Highway and Cambewarra Road.

It hasn't all been clear sailing for the at times controversial complex.

At first there was considerable opposition from some other already struggling Bomaderry retailers, who claimed the retail giant moving into the area would put further pressure on their businesses.

And then there was major contamination issue discovered at the site, with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) ordering a halt to construction in late 2018.