The long-awaited development presently has on average 70 construction workers on site daily with the figure to grow to around 160 when fitout begins around April.

Media were taken on site on Wednesday for the first time since construction began in earnest mid-year by developer David Maxwell, Joss Construction project manager Andrew Cameron and representatives from leasing agent, Stanley & Martin.

The shopping centre's anchor tenants are Coles and Kmart and both their structures will be roofed by April to allow for fitout to commence.

"From a development point of view that is a critical time you can start locking down real dates," Mr Maxwell said.

"Weather does play a part, but not as major part as other stages.

"The pressure is on us to have people here shopping before Christmas next year.

"It's what we are aiming for and we are at the point where there is no turning back."

The carpark being built on the corner of South and Hovell streets, which will provide the bulk of the 850 spaces on the site, will have its top deck completed by February.

Attention will then to swing to building the Kmart Auto outlet facing South Street and upgrading Manns Lane directly behind existing shops fronting High Street.

Kmart will be the largest sized tenancy at 6820 square metres followed by the Coles supermarket of 4255 square metres.

They will be separated by a the major pedestrian access point off Elgin Boulevard with easy access also to be created from the dual carpark area.

Mann Central also has 11 specialty shops available for lease.

Twelve months ago developers, Mann Wodonga Properties, revised plans due to sluggish interest in special shop leasing.

Central Wodonga will take on a newlook when Mann Central and nearby Woolworths development are both completed next year.