Tauranga's Dive Crescent is in the process of receiving an $800,000 face lift, with city council hoping to reveal a wider footpath along the waterfront before Christmas.

The opportunity to improve the path came about because of requirements to repair damage inflicted to the sea wall during a storm in July 2014.

Work is underway on Dive Crescent in Tauranga. Photo: Andrew Campbell.

Council communications advisor Marcel Currin says: 'It will end up looking a lot like the new wide footpath/cycleway at Beach Road.

'We are aiming to have everything finished by Christmas, but there is a possibility that we may have to complete the path in the New Year.”

The wider footpath is consistent with the aims of the Tauranga Transport Strategy and the City Centre Strategy.

Their aim is to create easy access to the city centre by a variety of modes, including private vehicle, public transport, foot and bicycle.

They also aim to construct an integrated and comprehensive network of cycle routes to cater for both commuters and recreational cyclists.

The reserve area next to Trinity Wharf Hotel is now part of the construction site.

Once work is complete, the area will be returned to a grass reserve, with casual car parking banned. However, there will be eight formal car parks installed alongside the road.