Nationwide firm Dominion Constructors Ltd was issued with a ``Notice to Fix'' by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in late August, after a worker cut through vital steel bars connecting the concrete wall panels and foundations of buildings on the Frankton Flats site.
Remedial works at the Queenstown Central retail complex development, which the council ordered Dominion to begin last month, needed to address problems with two buildings on the site.
The QLDC needs to sign off on the works before any buildings on site can be authorised for public use.
Council building control inspections team leader Jonathan Shaw said the works were ``progressing well'' following a visit to the site yesterday, but a further inspection would be needed tomorrow afternoon.
``Further documentation in support of structural work is to be supplied to QLDC, and following the Wednesday inspection, we will determine whether a Certificate of Public Use (CPU) can be issued.
``It is important to note issuing of a CPU is not solely centred on structure: it deals with the overall building being safe for public use and this involves everything from access, fire and life safety to accessible facilities.
``Factors taken into account for safety of the public include, and in this case are, areas where work is currently being undertaken on site.''
Construction delays have hindered the project and caused a number of tenants looking to take over premises to have their store fit-out dates moved back.
The 4000sqm Kmart store was meant to open on October 4 but is now due to open on Thursday, depending on whether the council approves the remedial works in time.
The $100million first stage of the retail centre will contain about 45 tenants, including a mix of local businesses and national or global chains.
Kmart declined to comment when asked about its position on delays to its opening date and construction problems on site, and a spokeswoman directed questions to Dominion.
Dominion's South Island construction boss Grant Thomas and Simon Holloway, spokesman for Queenstown Central, have both been contacted for comment.
Neither responded before deadline.
