Kerikeri mainstreet

The fifth stage of the Kerikeri Mainstreet project will be launched this week, completing the beautification of the town's main arterial route and Central Business District (CBD).

Contractors are expected to set up ready for a start on the $360,000 programme this weekend and construction is expected to be completed by Labour weekend. The fifth stage will take the project along Kerikeri Road from the Butler Road junction to Homestead Road.

The mainstreet project is designed to encourage foot traffic and create a new and improved user-friendly environment for the CBD.

The theme will follow the same pattern as established over the last four years of the programme including improvements to pedestrian areas, street plantings, additional street furniture and the enlargement of underground services to provide for future expansion.

Contractors for the fifth stage are Stonecraft Construction Ltd.

Work has been scheduled in consultation with the Kerikeri Business Association and business premises are expected to be advised by letter of construction details within the next few days. Plans of the proposed work will be on display at the Proctor Library and at Boomerang Fashions.

"The contractors will attempt to minimize disruption to the commercial area by doing as much work as possible at weekends, and in some cases overnight. However it is inevitable there will be come inconvenience to the public at critical times during the construction phase," District Facilities General Manager Alastair Wells said today.

"The council is seeking the cooperation of retailers and the Kerikeri community generally during the construction period and to understand that the intention is to create an environment in which the whole community can take pride," Mr Wells said.

The work this year would complete the mainstreet programme at Kerikeri. However there could be some small areas of further improvement work carried out at a later stage in Homestead Road and Fairway Drive.