Stage one of a two-stage Kurow town centre upgrade is nearing completion.
The work is part of a $150,000 project set to be completed by November and is aimed at reducing traffic speeds, improving traffic flow, creating a clear community identity and providing an attractive environment to encourage people to stop in Kurow.
A project team - made up of Ahuriri Community Board member Calum Reid, Waitaki District Council roading network engineer Ting Ge and council recreation officer Jane Matchett - has been working on a Kurow streetscape plan for about three years.
The plan focuses on the main street (State Highway 83) and where side streets meet, from State Highway 82 to Liverpool St.
Impetus for the plan has also come from the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, the construction of new twin bridges across the Waitaki River and new approaches at the Kurow and Hakataramea ends.
Traffic-calming measures include the installation of two pedestrian islands and carriageway separation.
Mr Reid said the wide open streets of Kurow did nothing to entice motorists to stop, and it was not uncommon to see vehicles pass through the 50kmh zone at up to 100kmh.
Some local business owners had expressed concerns about the loss of car parks, but the loss of about 10 car parks was a small price to pay, Mr Reid said.
''We're losing a few parks, but gaining business,'' he said.
Discussion has already been initiated on creating car parks along the riverside and behind the shops on the main street.
