first floors were temporary closed, along with the Coles supermarket and the eastern pedestrian entry from Yarra Street. Part of the main multi-level carpark has been closed, as well as the Yarra Street access ramp and the Malop Street Carpark. Treacy Place as well as the eastern section of Corio Street have been permanently closed and are now covered by the centre. During construction in April 2008 a fire broke inside the complex taking two hours to extinguish, and in May 2008 a tradesman was injured when pinned against a beam while operating a cherry picker. Stage 1 including the Coles supermarket and surrounding area opened on 17 April 2008, while the Big W store, another 80 stores, the restaurant precinct, the glass tower on the Malop Street corner and the Yarra Street flyover were opened on 17 July. Before redevelopment the centre had 67 stores and 1121 car parks, today it has 187 stores and 1700 car parks. The total cost of the works was $200 million. The works have resulted in an increase in the percentage of lettable area in the complex, with the majority of the main central atrium being filled in. The opening of complex has also led to a decline in strip shopping on Moorabool Street, with many empty shops and few customers. The head of the Central Geelong marketing committee, Mark Davis, expressed concern that despite the expanded shopping centre being a boost for the city, it will make life tougher for smaller traders, who would need to "figure out how their business fitted into the city's new shopping environment". Tenants Myer department store 12,500 m² which was continually redeveloped throughout 2008 as part of a nationwide refurbishment program Target discount department store 8,800 m² Coles supermarket, was 5,000 m² but a smaller store was reopened 17 April 2008 with 9 aisles Big W discount department store. 187 specialty stores. Three food courts: an alfresco area on Yarra Street, cafes on the flyover, and a third under the main atrium. References Other references Beg, Peter. (1990). Geelong - The First 150 Years. Globe Press. External links Official website Photos: Bay City plaza through the years Photos: Construction in 2007-08 Buildings and structures in Geelong Westfield Group Shopping centres in Victoria (Australia) Shopping malls established in 1988 Economy of Geelong 1988 establishments in Australia