The $22 million revamp of Kingscliff foreshore park is running months ahead of schedule, with an opening date set to be announced next month.
Access through the park to new beachfront stairs was opened up just before Christmas, providing locals and visitors with glimpses of the extensive redevelopment.
But Tweed Shire Council project managers say that while the turf has been laid and most of the infrastructure is in place, there is still a large amount of less-obvious work to be completed before council can safely open all aspects of the park.
Council’s director of community and natural resources Tracey Stinson said council was not yet able to give a date ‘or when final approvals may be granted but it will be well ahead of the original mid-2018 projections’.
‘A lot of the remaining work is electrical to ensure all amenities including barbecues and lighting are safe and fully operational,’ Ms Stinson said.
‘I understand people are champing at the bit to start using the park but keep in mind at this point the project as a whole is running about three months ahead of schedule.
‘We should be in a position by February to announce an opening date,’ Ms Stinson said.
The project got underway in March last year with the start of construction on a permanent seawall to protect the area from erosion.
In addition to the new foreshore park, which will improve access to the beach area from Marine Parade, the project has also seen the redesign and upgrade of the Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park.
Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce president Mark Humphries said business operators were pleased to hear work is still running ahead of schedule after the holiday break.
‘Council has done an excellent job of keeping local businesses informed at every stage of the process,’ Mr Humphries said.
‘There is obviously a lot of excitement among businesses and the community in general about the park’s opening.
‘We look forward to the announcement of an opening date in the coming weeks.’