Construction of an expanded walkway in Te Puke, which is part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council town centre development plan, is due to start.

The project also involves the demolition of the Te Puke Jeweller's shop in Jellicoe Street, with its owners moving into the neighbouring premises of the former Alison's retail store.

The walkway construction and shop relocation are due to be completed by December 2011 in time for Christmas trading.

Te Puke Jewellers owners Rod and Janine Pearce say the work starting marks the end of a lengthy negotiation, but a good resolution for both the town and their business.

The business is one of the oldest in Te Puke, having been established on the site more than a century ago, but Rod says such improvements as the walkway are needed.

'The town is in a state of change and we see the development as a step forward for Te Puke as it will give it a point of difference for visitors,” says Rod.

'While some people feel uncomfortable with these changes, in the longer term the town centre development will bring huge benefits to the town.

'It will bring shopping variety, relief from the traffic and townsfolk can relax in a lovely park with shade and room for the kids to play.

'The new town centre development will add to the attraction of Te Puke being a destination town as opposed to simply a service town.”

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson says negotiating the expansion of the walkway has taken some months and considerable concessions from the retailer involved in the move.

'Without the cooperation of Rod and Janine Pearce this would not have been possible,” says Ross.

'For them to move their business from a site with such history is not an easy decision, so council is extremely grateful for the manner in which they have handled this negotiation.

'When completed the walkway will be an aesthetic and culturally significant interlink between the existing town and the development planned.”

During the transition period of the walkway construction and the renovation of the new premises for the jewellery shop, Rod and Janine will be operating from temporary premises at 82 Jellicoe Street.