The north end of the Dunedin Railway Station is a hive of activity as builders work to complete the new Cobb & Co restaurant.
It is hoped the wheels will start turning on July 4. The Otago Daily Times has been given a sneak peek before it officially opens.
As expected, there are features in keeping with the historic restaurant chain, such as the familiar booths and swinging saloon doors.
But a conscious effort has also been made to bring the multi-million-dollar eatery into the 21st century with subtle touches of technology and class, including colourful LED lighting, large gas fire places, and comfortable upholstery.
For those worried it won't be the same as their favourite childhood restaurant, a large dining table made from an old stagecoach wagon wheel, some large chandeliers, wooden flooring and fittings, and a deck area made largely with materials from the Dunedin Railway Station overbridge which was destroyed in 2008, help maintain the Cobb & Co atmosphere.
''We're trying to have the Cobb tell a story,'' general manager Ange Copson said.
''The links back to the Cobb & Co stage coaches are really important to us.''
Mrs Copson said many of the contractors working on the 220sq m development, had been really engaged with it.
''It's more than just a job for them.
''They love that they're building part of the station. They love the Cobb & Co brand. They've brought their families down to have a look.
''I've talked about the fact that anybody who works on this project, either as part of the build or as an ongoing team member, will always be a little part of Otago's history.''
Mrs Copson said she wanted to have the restaurant open by July 4 and contractors were working hard to make that happen.
''July 4 is Independence Day.
''It feels appropriate, to be honest. It's taken so long to get to this point.
''Finally, we're out and about doing it.
''December 2014, I started the journey with the Dunedin City Council and the Cobb Group. It's taken that long to get us open.
''There's a sense of relief and excitement, of finally being free to start.''
