NORFOLK -- Change is underway to create a safer and more secure Waterside area on the downtown Norfolk waterfront.

City officials are talking about plans for demolishing walls and removing food court kiosks at The Waterside Festival Marketplace to improve the public appearance and appeal of the 26-year-old building.   

Video: Waterside makeover in the works

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That revitalization is funded by a $400,000 grant from the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Officials also are developing a security plan for the Waterside garage, to include security cameras.

In March, in the aftermath of a shooting inside the garage and another nearby on Granby Mall, city council announced plans for the security cameras. They hoped to have the cameras at the parking garage by summer.

The deadline for the completion of the first in a series of planned improvements at The Waterside is July 3, which is the opening day for the new Town Point Park and Harborfest weekend.