During the council’s finance and projects committee meeting yesterday, council strategic asset planning manager Russell Pearson gave councillors an update on the project.
Contractors have been working on Esk and Don Sts since last year as part of the first stage of a $28 million streetscape project to develop CBD streets and footpaths.
The aim of the project is to increase foot traffic and encourage people to stay longer.
Mr Pearson said work in the area was in its final phase and was estimated to be completed in the final week of March.
"Just happy to say that we are continuing to track within our budget. The budget allocated to the project [was] $20.8 million so we managed a number of risks and I guess we’ve been reasonably fortunate for the last while and progress is good."
Cr Ian Pottinger queried the "sacrifices" the council had to make to manage the budget.
He said when Mr Pearson referred to it being within budget, he was referring to the reviewed one — the original allocation for the project was included in the long-term plan at $18.7 million.
In November last year the council was informed the estimated cost had increased due to inflation and Covid restrictions.
This led to the removal of shelters and play area from the design.
Mr Pearson said the project continued to have a contingency budget.
The cut features could be considered at the end of the project.
