A Coles spokesperson said renovations at the complex were set to be completed by the end of the year.

``Once completed, customers will enjoy the benefits of new in-store features including a fresh new bakery, scoop and weigh nut bar and a large delicatessen,'' the spokesperson said.

 ``Other works currently underway on the Kmart Plaza include new centre flooring, ceiling and upgraded amenities, additional car park shade sails and an upgrade to the external facade.

``When it is completed, the shopping centre will be rebranded as Mt Isa Village.'' 

Almost half a billion dollars will be spent in Queensland building 31 new stores and creating 8000 jobs.

The stores will be built across the next four years, with two thirds of them in Brisbane.

Six are already being built. A further 13 will be finished within two years.

Premier Campbell Newman said the expansion was a vote of confidence in Queensland.

``We've seen great job growth in Queensland, more than half the nation's jobs in the last 12 months have been created here,'' he said.