The company has confirmed plans to install an eight screen cinema, leisure and entertainment complex in its $375million redevelopment of the Green Hills site, which is expected to be complete in 2018.

“We want to make a great redevelopment even better,” centre manager Chris Travers said.

“We’ve covered all of the bases to make Stockland Green Hills the premier retail and casual dining destination in the Lower Hunter and our proposed cinema, leisure and entertainment complex will complement the redevelopment by creating the perfect venue for a day or night out with family and friends.”

The cinema would be part of extra construction work that Maitland City Council has not yet approved.

The company has lodged a development application with council, which went on public exhibition this week.

A statement from Stockland said the new cinema would not necessarily compete head-to-head with the existing movie complex in Central Maitland.

“Our proposed cinema extension aims to capture and retain a slice of the escape expenditure that currently results in a steady flow of traffic with people travelling down the highway to spend their money in Charlestown, Kotara, and Newcastle,” Mr Travers said.

The second stage of work will begin at the site in the coming days.

The entry to the centre nearest Coles will close from March 30, but all other entrances will remain open.

Motorists won’t be able to travel between the under cover car park and outdoor western car park, and the driveway next to Big W will be closed.

Stockland group executive and CEO of commercial property John Schroder said the company would keep customers informed about changes at the site while the upgrades took place.

“We kindly ask for a little patience as we undertake crucial works to transform their shopping centre. We are, of course, carefully staging works to minimise disruption wherever possible.”