While council had been hoping to start construction work at the start of this year, that date has now been moved back to the end of April.

However, it must be stressed this project is happening and will get underway as soon as all of the work has been signed off on in all of the official capacities that are required.

At this point in time, the work is awaiting on development application approval.

As this is a council project, for reasons of probity, council has opted to have this development application assessed by an independent party.

It will also be determined by an independent body - in this case the Western Joint Regional Planning Panel.

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Council general manager Jackie Kruger said as the Roxy Theatre is state heritage listed, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment also reviews the application.

"They have requested further archaeological information, which is currently being sought," Mrs Kruger said.

"At this stage we are not anticipating any issues that will hold up the project.

"Extensive work was done on a very comprehensive heritage study prior to submission of the development application, but because the building footprint already exists, the buildings are built on rock and new ground is not being broken.

"An archaeological report wasn't initially deemed necessary/warranted.

"Given it has now been requested by DPIE Heritage that work is now being undertaken."

So, with that process in mind, the plan is now to close the Roxy at the conclusion of the Henry V production in April, subject to development approval.

A Building Better Regions Fund application is also currently being prepared to cover the costs of stage two of the refurbishment and extension project.

Final costs are being prepared, estimated to be between $2.7 million and $3 million.

If successful, council will be able to proceed with the full footprint, which includes the two next door shops.

This funding decision from the federal government is expected by the middle of the year.