Plans to upgrade Balclutha's main street are being advanced with the formation of a consultation group and public meeting to be held later this year.
This week the Clutha District Council announced a consultation group made up of various council, community and business representatives had been formed to help select the concept design for the Balclutha streetscape upgrade.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, who is a member of the group, said he was excited ''this age-old issue'' would be addressed.
''We've seen how Lawrence and Tapanui have not only revitalised their town centres but also changed the perceptions of their towns.''
Balclutha's main street upgrade would not be without its challenges as Clyde St was narrow, he said.
Council district assets manager Jules Witt said three different consultants were developing landscape designs and initial costs estimates for the budgeted $2.6 million streetscape upgrade, which is planned to take place over the next 12 months.
The consultants are MWH/LA4 Partnership, Baxter/SouthRoads Traffic Design Group Partnership and Boffa Miskell.
Mr Witt said the concept designs would be presented to the newly formed Balclutha Streetscape Consultation Group some time around mid-June, so the group could provide input into the council's tender award process.
Public consultation was expected to begin in late July.
A total of $2.6 million was budgeted for the streetscape upgrade in the long-term plan, including $400,000 for burying power lines in the main business area and $550,000 worth of footpath upgrades.
Exactly what the rest of the upgrade will include depends on the concept design chosen and the outcome of public consultation. It could include new footpaths, changes to intersections, improved pedestrian access, new streetlights, new street furniture and plantings.
