Masterton District Council has awarded the contract for the CBD infrastructure upgrade project to John Fillmore Contracting (JFC).

Local contractors PCL and Pope & Gray have been engaged by JFC to complete the work.

This decision was confirmed at the Council meeting on December 10, following a thorough tender assessment process.

The project involves critical infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of the aging water main, road resurfacing, and the reconstruction of footpaths to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

Mayor Bex Johnson is pleased to see another infrastructure project get the green light.

“A project of this scale happens once in a generation and while the majority of the investment will be underground, we’re taking the opportunity to refresh and modernise the look of the CBD.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in early March following the Golden Shears and Shearing World Championships, and is expected to be completed within six months.

As part of the works, contractors will remove everything that currently sits on the footpath including bins, benches, and trees. These will be replaced as part of the works.

The project was consulted on and budgeted for in the 2024/34 Long Term Plan.

Group Manager, Infrastructure & Assets, Maseina Koneferenisi says the project delivers secure water infrastructure for Masterton's future while working alongside local retailers to shape the CBD's look and feel.

"We've been listening to our business community about their vision for Queen Street. The recent business summit kicked off conversations about local aspirations as part of our Our Future Our Story project and the Masterton Retail and Commercial Strategy, and this upgrade gives us a chance to bring some of those ideas to life," she says.

"Discussions will continue with retailers around on-street upgrades to incorporate what works for their customers and what will make Queen Street a better place to visit and do business."

The work will be staged in three sections from Jackson Street to Park Street.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the project and the community are encouraged to keep shopping local while the work is happening.

A programme of support including workshops, advertising, signage, window cleaning, and giveaways are planned to help retailers during construction.

“It’s time to get the show on the road,” says Joe Hart, who was nominated by the Masterton Business Alliance to represent them in discussions with the project team.

“I know it’s tough going out there but it’s short-term pain for long-term gain. Invest in the infrastructure before it gives up the ghost and costs you more pain and money in unplanned work.

“The CBD is going to look great with a bit of a facelift but most important, those essential water services will be reliable and ready to serve another generation of Mastertonians.”

Queen Street residents and users are encouraged to join the project mailing list for regular updates.