Here's a sneak peek of what Invercargill's city centre streets will look like after their revamp.

Invercargill City Council has released some preliminary designs for the transformation of Don and Esk Streets, by urban design specialist Isthmus Group

Council Infrastructure Group Manager Erin Moogan said the City Centre Streets project aims to turn Don Street into Invercargill's 'entertainment street'.

Esk Street will become the 'social heart of the city'.

"The urban design reflects the city’s environment and history, taking input from Waihōpai Runaka," she says.

"It considers a range of impacts including weather, sustainability, play, parking, and movement about the centre.

“This is a fantastic project for Southland, transforming our city centre into a more attractive place in which people want to spend time."

The Infrastructural Services Committee will review the preliminary designs this coming Tuesday, 11 May.

Read the Preliminary Design Report can be found here.

An artist's impression of Esk Street - view looking east

The Isthmus Group brief on Esk St reads:

Esk Street becomes the social heart of the city where there’s always something happening.

It is playful and playable, with seating that faces the sun and looks over a built play “trail” of obstacles, gardens and design features for climbing and enjoying.

The street will have the ability to host big and small events, with a range of configurations to suit what’s on.

Another view of Esk St, looking east

On Don St, it says:

Don Street is the centre of Invercargill entertainment. Courtyards and laneways will invite people to visit and stay awhile.

There will be places to eat and drink, with opportunities for music, nightlife, special lighting and temporary exhibitions.

Don Street—View looking east outside Langlands Hotel

"We’re also working closely with other city developments to create connections and align work. We're working at pace so all this work can be finished at the same time.

Moogan says: "It's an exciting project, however we know the construction phase will be disruptive to retailers, businesses and visitors.

"We're keen to keep talking with businesses and the community and we’ll be inviting them to an information session about the design later in May."

Work is happening at pace so it is ready for the opening of other city developments like Langlands Hotel and Invercargill Central Limited.

While work on the first Invercargill Master Plan projects gets underway, planning and detailed design will continue on other aspects of the plan.