Streetscape upgrade work begins

Old makes way for new in Milton, as Andrew Haulage contractors begin demolition of the former Suzie’s Butchery building on the South Otago town’s main street yesterday.

The shop, which amalgamated last year with fellow Milton institution Tiny’s Butchery after 35 years of business, will make way for a new 1000sq m civic plaza forming a key element of the Clutha District Council’s $2 million streetscape upgrade.

The plaza will include a water feature, a vintage brick wall with sandblasted mural, a nod to Milton’s ‘‘kink in the road’’ and a moving ‘‘river of light’’ which will extend from a new $550,000 destination toilet.

Andrew’s will also demolish two other Union St buildings before Christmas, to make way for a $5.8 million swimming pool/ service centre complex.

Construction on both projects is expected to begin next year.