The $15 million project will soon swap sides on Liebig Street.

City infrastructure director Scott Cavanagh said preparations for the transition of work to the east side were under way.

“We anticipated unearthing some interesting, redundant infrastructure in stage one,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“Our surveys and X-ray work provided us with useful information before we started the construction phase but we still found some undocumented underground infrastructure, including service connections to private properties and an old Telstra pit that even Telstra did not know existed.

“We’re well placed now to progress through the remaining stages in zone 1 (Liebig Street between Koroit Street and Raglan Parade) at a faster rate.”

Warrnambool City councillors received an on-site briefing on the renewal on Thursday.

“We’ve gained valuable insights through the first section of work that will help us with the remainder of the renewal,” Mayor Kylie Gaston said.

“And the occupancy rates in our off-street car parks have remained constant which indicates people are still choosing to shop in the city centre. I’d like to acknowledge the understanding traders and shoppers have shown as we deliver the $15 million program to improve the city’s heart.”

Meanwhile, CBD shoppers have the chance to win a $50,000 holiday. National Warrnambool Travel has joined the council’s campaign to promote the city centre.

Owner Virginia Paton said she had joined the campaign to support Liebig Street traders and to help energise the street. To enter, spend $30 or more at participating CBD businesses. Enter online at www.cbd.warrnambool.vic.gov.au and click on the links to locate and complete the entry form.