Over $3 million has been budgeted for town centre upgrades around the region, with Brightwater destined to receive theirs first.
A new concept design for Ellis St aims to create safe and accessible pedestrian, cycling and vehicle linkages, improve the streetscape and recognise local stories.
Network Tasman have recently confirmed they will contribute to undergrounding the overhead power lines along Ellis St.
The Tasman District Council carried out community consultation in Brightwater in 2017.
This included discussions with a working group of representatives from local business, Brightwater School.
The residents’ association, police, heavy haulage companies and others were also involved.
The council also did an interactive brainstorming session with Brightwater School pupils, and a public drop-in session for the wider community to contribute ideas.
Construction of the upgrade is scheduled for late 2019.
One of the elements of the upgrade is construction of a roundabout on the intersection of Ellis St and Lord Rutherford Rd.
Currently, turning trucks have to cross the centre line to get around the corner, which is not safe.
The intersection will be widened and a small roundabout installed to prevent this happening.
Detailed design for the street upgrade are nearly finished, and council say more details are expected soon.