The start date was delayed from May due to “extra work on the design process and consultation investigation,” a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council spokesperson said.

“The work is scheduled to begin on July 21 and the program will be completed by the end of November,” the spokesperson said.

The project is estimated to cost $900,000 and sees a revamp of the high side of Bold Street from the corner of Seymour Street to Laurie Street.

The existing buckling footpath will be replaced with a new path, access ramps, landscaping, public art by local artist Max Scott, underground power and street lighting. The exhibition of public art ended on June 30.

Council’s manager for technical services, Cliff Toms, said the upgrade would improve access particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities.

The plan has been on the drawing board since the 1990s. Former councillors Daphne Johnston and Robert Nardella, with the support of Steve Finlay (the council’s director of infrastructure services) and Mr Toms, gave the plan a boost in 2007 to ensure the project would not be deferred in the council’s corporate plan.

Local business people and the chamber were involved in the discussions during the design process.

“The council has kept us in touch with us all the way,” said Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce president Peter Winfield.

“We’re happy with what they’ve done and the delay is justified to ensure everything is ready to go. Nearly everything we have asked for has been included in the plan.”

The concept design was exhibited in March. From July, the chamber of commerce plan to move the exhibition to Laurieton United Services Club until October 2008.

The Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce is organising a street party launch of the Bold Street upgrade in late November. If you are interested in getting involved or for more information contact chamber president Peter Winfield on 65599088 or email woongarra@tsn.cc.