The Coromandel Town Centre main street improvements will now start later in the year.

The project scope includes removal and replacement of the road pavement and surfacing, installation of a roundabout on the Tiki/Kapanga/Wharf road intersection, relocation of the existing pedestrian crossing to a location adjacent to Samuel James Reserve, installation of threshold treatment on Kapanga Road and upgrading of the storm water system.

However, when the pavement and storm water investigations for the project were being carried out last month, a possible historic brick-lined storm water line was discovered.

This storm water line could be of historic significance and the Thames-Coromandel District Council has now had to apply for an Archaeological Authority, prior to work starting on the site.

'The delay means that earthworks wouldn't be completed before the onset of winter,” says north area manager Allan Tiplady.

Once the Archaeological Authority process is completed, the construction period will take approximately three months.

A detailed works programme will be developed so that everyone is fully informed before the work gets underway.