A major upgrade of Heretaunga St West is set to cause disruption to central Hastings businesses and shoppers through until late-September.
Hastings District Council has begun a 14-week upgrade of the Heretaunga Street West 200 block running from King St to Market St.
The project includes installing stormwater pipes, kerb and channelling and new paving and lighting. During the construction period, lines company Unison will take the opportunity to upgrade its power infrastructure.
Councillor Sandra Hazlehurst said the project had originally been planned for the council's 2008-09 financial year.
"Retailers were struggling with the economic downturn at that time and requested that the project be shelved due to the disruption that it would cause to their businesses," she said.
"The retailers in the 200 west block have now requested that the project is completed prior to this Christmas."
Ms Hazlehurst said because of the type of work being undertaken, it was inevitable there will be disruption for shoppers and businesses along the street.
"The contractors will endeavour to minimise the impact on the businesses during the construction period.
"To ensure the minimum of inconvenience to shoppers, the contractors will install the new paving between 4pm and 10pm."
She said during the project, one side of the street would always be open to traffic and for parking and during the footpath reconstruction, a carpet will be laid to ensure there is a clean surface for shoppers.
"The completion of the upgrade of the 200 west block will allow council to meet its goal of revitalising the six core CBD blocks," she said.
The project started at the King St intersection and the contractors will work down the northern side of Heretaunga St.
Work on the southern side is due to begin on August 11, and the whole project is expected to be completed by September 26.