Fencing has been removed along High Street providing easy pedestrian access to shops, and parking is also back to normal for the busy holiday shopping period.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peta Pinson said Council has listened to the community’s feedback, and adjusted work schedules to complete the first stages of the upgrade in time for the busy Christmas trade period.

“Christmas is obviously a peak trading period for businesses, so to be able to complete the programmed works early and remove any disruption these may have had during this time is a great outcome,” said Mayor Pinson.

“Already the improvements to the CBD are starting to take shape, with sections of footpath on the southern-side of the street replaced, and a significant portion of underground services work also well progressed.”

Works to install new street furniture, including seats, bins and signage, as well as investigation into stormwater services at Oxley Lane will continue. However the council says these activities will have minimal impact on access to shops and businesses through December.

Upgrades to the Wauchope Main Street are ahead of schedule and will continue in 2019. The upgrades will see the CBD improved to encourage more 'feet on the street' and to create a safer, attractive and pedestrian friendly area.

The $2.686 million upgrade is being jointly funded by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and the NSW Government and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2019, weather permitting.

“The main street and all businesses are open, so if you’re looking for something different, something special or something you may not have seen before, head to Wauchope and shop unique boutique this Christmas,” added Ms Pinson.

To stay up-to-date on the weekly progress of the Wauchope Main Street upgrades visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Wauchope-CBD-upgrade