Business owners approached by the Otago Daily Times yesterday for comment on the latest phase of the town’s main street upgrade project, which began in May last year, were universally positive about the changes.
The second, $11 million phase of the project, which originally emerged from community planning in 2018, included placing overhead powerlines in the town centre underground and upgrading underground infrastructure.
In February, some business owners had complained of delays in reinstating footpaths in the town’s business district, but contractor Andrew Haulage was working to finish that work yesterday.
Stihl Shop Milton manager John Taal said he was "very happy" with the result.
"We had some minor issues with access for customers for a short period of time, and a wee bit of mess from the untidy footpath, but I’m very happy it’s been completed before winter.
"It’s been handled excellently throughout by the contractors."
He welcomed a final phase of beautification around the Gray St plaza and public toilets.
"It’ll be good to see that tidied up."
That phase is out to tender at present, budgeted at $2.25m.
Milton Hammer Hardware owner Robyn Calder, whose business adjoins the plaza, said customers and colleagues had adopted a "patient" attitude towards the works.
"We understand there’s still some further work on the bulbous kerbs to do before the footpath can be reinstated here, but once it’s finished it will be good.
"It certainly looks great along the rest of the street."
Kelly’s Kitchen head chef and owner Kelly Wicks said she had "nothing but praise" for the contractors and project.
"If you want progress, you have to put up with a bit of disruption while that happens.
"The contractors have bent over backwards to work in with the cafe, and it looks brilliant now.
"We’re all excited for the final phase to begin."
Clutha District Mayor Bryan Cadogan praised the "passion and pride" of project overseers.
"It was great to see the local ... team put a bit of passion and pride into the Milton main street project.
"Not only were they on time and within budget, but they also completed additional work and synchronised with [NZ Transport Agency] Waka Kotahi to ensure disruption was minimised."
The final phase of work, including visual enhancements and landscaping, would "revamp main street aesthetics".
"This will eventually position Milton as a modern, vibrant town, maximising its ability to attract new residents and prosper."
The council will review tenders for the final phase during a public-excluded session at its meeting in Balclutha tomorrow.
