Alexandra Riverside Trust chairman Rory Mclellan said work would begin with clearing the site in lower Tarbert St to make way for the creation of the Alexandra Riverside Project, which would include walkways, terraces and seating near the river along with a plaza, toilets and a bike hub.
The first phase of the project was to create a new entrance into the carpark at the back of The Warehouse, which meant the carpark would be closed for about three weeks, he said.
Later in the week willow and poplar trees on the river bank at the junction of the Clutha Mata-Au and Manuherikia rivers would be removed by the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council.
The logs would be removed, some of which would be donated for firewood and smaller limbs chipped for mulch.
Mr Mclellan said he was rapt to be reaching this stage.
"This is a project a long time in the making and we are very excited to see it finally happening, to rejuvenate a part of Alexandra that has always had so much potential.
"Our aim has always been to help integrate the rivers and riverside with the pedestrian heart of Alexandra, so that it becomes a space for family-friendly recreation and community events, as well as being a destination for cyclists and walkers using the network of local trails."
Vincent Community Board member and project champion Jayden Cromb was also thrilled to see the project begin.
"The design and aims of the project honour the past, the present and the future, and we’re all looking forward to seeing it progress."
The project has had the support of the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Lottery Grants Board, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Aukaha, Anderson Fencing and Earthworks, Heritage New Zealand and the regional and district councils.
