Funded through the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces Fund, Port Stephens Council is carrying out works between now and December to improve public access and promote "vibrancy in the town centre as outlined in the Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan".

"We're excited to be able to start these works to revitalise the stage area and create a quality public space that can be used by workers at lunchtime, musicians and artists or residents and visitors who just like to take some time to sit and enjoy the sights of Nelson Bay," the council's assets section manager, John Maretich, said.

"The new design makes it easier to walk and move through the area, it improves visual connection to Magnus Street and provides public seating space for café and street dining."

Mr Maretich said the concept for the upgrade has been designed through consultation with key community and business groups, including Nelson Bay Civic Pride and the Nelson Bay Precinct Committee.

The Stockton Street stage, located outside Tsunami Surfer and Bay Brother's Kebabs, is the first section of the CBD to undergo a makeover to "strengthen visual and physical connection and integration with Magnus Street".

The upgrades support the council's Nelson Bay Public Domain Plan to prioritise people by creating more spaces for the community to enjoy.

The Stockton Street improvements include:

"The new semi-permanent furniture, lighting and new landscaping and planters will make the space more attractive at all times of the day," Mr Maretich said.

"We've worked closely with Nelson Bay Civic Pride who will continue their efforts to beautify Nelson Bay by adding some more landscaping and gardens to the town centre.

"Supporting our local community during these times is important to us and we've worked with local trades to get this work done."

Further pedestrian upgrades in Stockton Street are due to be carried out in March 2022.

The $50,000 project will see the existing Stockton Street traffic signals converted to allow "pedestrian scramble" and the crossing will be widened, the council said.

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