Mr Pilbrow, a Greytown resident, said the benefits of the new retail hub for the area are threefold - employment opportunities, attraction for out-of-town spenders and aesthetic value. "We're thinking the spaces will be filled by new businesses, which will bring new jobs to town," he said.
"It will encourage people to come for the weekend and do their shopping.
"Greytown is a big weekend destination point, so the site will add value to that."
And a bit of a "tidy up" never did any harm either.
"It was a bit of an eyesore - that green roof is hardly a visual symphony."
Mr Pilbrow said he has had "a significant amount" of interest from retailers hoping to trade from the new complex.
"I've heard from everyone from restaurants, to bottle shops, to convenience stores. "It's early days yet - we want to make sure we get the right mix of tenants in there."
Mr Pilbrow hopes to have the revamped building completed by December, with work on the neighbouring complex - which will house two retail outlets, a restaurant and office spaces on the second floor - to begin in early 2015.
He plans to submit a building consent application to South Wairarapa District Council this week.
Council's group manager planning and environment, Murray Buchanan said Mr Westwood had not obtained consent to remove the portico entrance.
The Wairarapa Combined District Plan states the exterior of heritage buildings cannot be altered without consent. Mr Pilbrow said Westwood submitted plans to the council's heritage board prior to demolition.
"They gave us some feedback, and we acted accordingly."
Mr Pilbrow said he has received "all sorts of feedback" from residents.
Some people were unhappy after the ANZ ATM on the Four Square site was removed temporarily during the demolition work.
Mr Pilbrow said it would be reinstalled at a later date.
"I understand that caused some inconvenience. Some people haven't been too happy, but some people don't like change. I think it's fair to say most people in Greytown are excited."
