Refurbishment of Crown Street Mall's eastern section was well on track after the first week of work, Wollongong City Council infrastructure director Mike Hyde said yesterday.
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Construction on the final stage of the $20 million project officially began last Monday, with contractors focusing on preparation works that were not immediately visible to shoppers and business owners.
"There's a lot of stuff happening that's not evident to a person walking past," Mr Hyde said.
"For example, in order for [contractors] to start their civil works, they need to do extensive investigations about what's underneath the ground."
He said this included tests for soil contamination and final checks on underground services, like water and gas pipes.
Workers also started relocating telecommunications services, installing temporary lighting, and moving in vehicles to allow the demolition of temporary pavements that were installed last year.
"People will see it accelerating very fast in the coming days, and it will be humming," he said.
"We've spoken to business owners about the impact of this work and if there's something we can do to ameliorate the impact, we will try to do it."
Mr Hyde also said shoppers should not be concerned about small white spots that have started appearing on the spotted gum trees that now line the western part of the mall.
He said it was a simple insect infestation and had already been treated.