CCC has awarded Fulton Hogan a $13.3m contract to upgrade both Victoria Street and Hereford Street, between Cambridge Terrace and Manchester Street.

Construction programmes are currently being finalised but the upgrade of Victoria Street will get under way first, with work expected to start in March. Investigation works will begin on Hereford Street in the coming months, with construction starting mid-2020.

Work along Victoria Street will involve replacing storm water drains, kerb and channel, footpaths, road surface and street lighting, and the street's appearance through the addition of more trees and landscaping.

Widened footpaths, coloured surfacing, cycle lane markings, raised platforms and traffic calming measures will also be added to create better definition for road users and a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists

On Hereford Street the roadway between Cambridge Terrace and Manchester Street will be reconstructed. Footpaths will be replaced with new paved footpaths with extra space provided for street furniture and planters with trees. Parking spaces will also be provided at night for ride share services and taxis servicing the bars and restaurants along Oxford Terrace and Hereford Street.

Drop-in sessions where local residents and businesses can learn more about the work planned along Victoria Street will be held on:

• Tuesday 25 February, from 5.30 to 7pm, at Sixty6, Christchurch Casino, corner Peterborough Street and Durham Street North.
• Thursday 27 February, from 9 to 10.30am, at The Lounge, Knox Church, 68 Bealey Avenue.

Drop-in sessions where local residents and businesses can learn more about the work planned along Hereford Street will be held on:

• Wednesday 4 March, from 5.30 to 7pm at the Function Room, Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street.
• Thursday 5 March, from 9 to 10.30am, at the Function Room, Te Hononga Civic Offices, 53 Hereford Street.