The project by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council aims to complete the revitalisation and beautification of the Kew main street at a cost of $1.8 million.

Preliminary designs were opened to public feedback in October last year and concept plans finalised by Sydney engineering consultancy Lindsay Dynan Pty Ltd.

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Council group manager project delivery, Gary Randall, said council is looking to commence the upgrade in the first half of next year.

"This project will be delivered at a total project cost of $1.8 million with council successful in obtaining $800,000 in round three of the Building Better Regions Fund Infrastructure Project Stream," Mr Randall said.

"This is being matched by $800,000 from council and a $200,000 grant funding contribution from Transport for NSW through the Local Government Safety Treatments Program.

"The project is a key project for Port Macquarie Hastings Council and its continuation from the earlier design development phase has been included in the 2021/2022 One Year Operational Plan.

"We look forward to progressing this project into the construction phase."

Consultation with the community around plans for the project began in 2010. Federal funding was publicly announced by the Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie in March 2019 and a Kew Main Street Group was established to consult with council.

Group member and Kew Corner Store owner Staffan Andler said the community has high hopes for the upgrade works.

"We're looking forward to the works even if it's later. We need to organise the traffic and beautification in the township," he said.

"It would be fantastic to see more footpaths, safe crossings, a real village feel and eateries out on the street.

"There is some massive investment happening in Kew and if the township itself can be beautified, then that's what we hope for. We want it to be beautiful and a destination in its own right."

Group member and Jojeni Developments projects and sales manager Jason Bignell said there are still lingering community concerns about amendments to the original plans.

"If construction starts early next year that would be great because we are already 12 months behind and the whole works were supposed to be completed by December this year," he said.

"We understand that under the circumstances and the year that the country has had we can't fault them for not having it done. It's going to be a much better idea to have construction next year rather than over the Christmas period.

"There has been a lack of communication over the last 12 months and we've asked council to give us a copy of any amended plans after the community consultations. We know there have been some changes made to the originally approved plan but we don't know what they are."

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