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The revamped first block of Dunedin’s main shopping street is due for completion in October.

Initially, underground pipes will be replaced in the Farmers block of George St, between Moray Pl and St Andrew St, from Tuesday next week.

Amenity of the area, safety and accessibility would be tackled after that, Dunedin City Council central city plan project director Dr Glen Hazelton said.

George St is the focus of a $28.2 million makeover of the retail area in the central city.

It is to include new paving, improved lighting and a cultural narrative and is designed to be a more welcoming, inclusive and attractive environment.

Dr Hazelton said a hydrological analysis had been undertaken on the George St catchment so the stormwater network could be adequately designed.

Artist's impression shows in detail what George St's Farmers block will look like after revamp work is done. IMAGE: SUPPLIED

Trials were planned to test the strength and colours of new pavers and to provide reassurance for people with disabilities.

Dr Hazelton expected they could be laid to create a smoother finish than the existing cobbles.

A revamp of three more blocks in George St will be part of the upgrade and some work has been carried out in nearby streets.

The beginning of works in George St is a significant marker for the project, which is due to be completed in 2024.

Dr Hazelton said some work initially scheduled to be carried out in Great King St next week had been postponed until June after feedback from businesses about the number of planned simultaneous road closures.

George St’s Farmers block is to remain open to southbound traffic during construction.

Pedestrian access would still be available, although footpath space would sometimes be narrowed, Dr Hazelton said.

Protective scrim and signage highlighting businesses in the block would be installed.

It was ‘heartening’ to receive positive responses to the release of designs last week.

"It has been more than 30 years since the area has been upgraded and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a space that reflects our increasingly diverse community and respond to the changes that are taking place in the economy, environment and society," Dr Hazelton said.

"While we recognise there will be inconvenience for visitors to the area in the short term, it is important as a community we now come together to support our local retailers through this construction period."

The council has been replacing underground pipes in the area, some dating back to the late 1800s, as well as making adjustments designed to improve traffic flow and access to car parking.

Such work has been completed in London St and upper Filleul St and is due to be finished in Frederick St in mid-May. The work in Hanover St and the part of Filleul St between Hanover and Cargill Sts is expected to be finished in June.

Vehicle access to the Meridian Mall car park ramp in Hanover St is expected to be available again from May 9.

The council has said the main street is to be "interwoven" with stories, values and world views derived from Southern Maori heritage and culture as part of the Totally Georgeous project.

Consulting firm Aukaha was contracted to work on behalf of mana whenua through the George St capital works project, incorporating a Ngai Tahu narrative through the design.

grant.miller@odt.co.nz

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