Street works are about to commence on Duke Street in central Queenstown, Queenstown Lakes District Council project coordinator Ken Gousmett said.

The work is being undertaken by the developer of the Soffitel Hotel, currently under construction on Duke Street, in keeping with a 2002 contract with the Council.

"The streetscape plans have been developed in consultation with a Council sub-committee and the Council's director of parks and open space," Mr Gousmett said.  For continuity the design, materials and colours are consistent with the proposed Shotover Street works.

The plans included improved lighting, planting of new trees, new landscaped access steps from Brecon to Man Streets (the ramp will be improved and retained), the creation of alfresco dining areas on Brecon Street and a split level carriageway on Duke Street.  Work on Brecon Street will commence on completion of the work on Duke Street.

Once work commences the direction of traffic will be one way from the Camp/Man Street intersection to Brecon Street and there will be limited parking available on Duke Street.

The main contractor is Amalgamated Builders Ltd.

"There will be some inconvenience but the contractor is required to maintain access to properties and to keep the road open at all times. The result will be a greatly improved amenity," Mr Gousmett said.

A copy of the staging plan is on display at the Council offices at 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown or can be viewed on the Council website.

Site enquiries can be directed to the Project Manager Shane Muir, phone 03 409 0426 or email shanemuir@xtra.co.nz.

ENDS

For further information please contact Ken Gousmett  4429071

By: Kiri