Residents can experience the new look-lower section – from Wimmera Street to St George Street – because the footpath has now been widened.

The redbrick-theme from Main Street also extends to this area.

Eleanor Clark of Eleanor Clark Furniture and Bedding said she was happy with the new-look street at her front door.

“I think it looks lovely. The project workers have been very accommodating to my business needs during the disruption time.” she said. 

Bianca Grobbelaar of Industry Hair and Saddles Burger Ranch said both of her businesses would benefit from the upgrades once completed.

“We haven’t had as many walk-ins at the hairdressers but overall business has not been affected by the construction. We are really looking forward to our customers having more parking close by and will provide more outdoor seating for Saddles,” she said.

Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Tony Driscoll said the lower section of Main Street was progressing ahead of schedule.

“Some businesses have had a level of inconvenience, but they understand the outcome of the project will outweigh any issues,” he said.

Cr Driscoll said the upper section was on schedule and should finish on time.

Veronica Clarke of Popcorn Toys and Gifts and Grampians Health and Mobility said the street was starting to look good and she hoped the benefits in the long-term would pay off.

“It has been frustrating for our business in the short term while the works are going on. We have had very few sales but still have bills and wages to pay,” she said.

A notice published in September 14 edition of Stawell Times-News advised residents a road closure is in place on Main Street, between Patrick Street and Victoria Place, for up to three weeks.

Both projects are pipelined to finish at the end of October.