More than 2300 people turned out yesterday for a close-up look at how Invercargill's $180 million downtown redevelopment is progressing. 

Developer Invercargill Central ran tours through the CBD site, the block between Esk Street and Tay Street, while there were also activities, entertainment, food and other fun on the nearby streets.

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The event coincided with the Open Streets Day Market and the end of the Bluff Oyster Festival, which meant there were plenty of people about to how far new blocks have come in the first six months. 

The tour followed a designated safe path through the building site, from Tay Street to Esk Street, which is a major part of Invercargill's rebuild.

Trevor and Ruth Stewart, who've lived in Southland for more than 80 years, admire the new development. Photo: Salina Henry

Invercargill Central Limited (ICL) is a joint initiative between Invercargill City Council and O’Donnell Family Investments. 

The first three stages of the construction project are backed by $30m of council funding and a $19.5 million loan through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF).

Street games and food trucks pulled in the public on Sunday

Demolition work started on 23 January 2020 and was completed in September 2020. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of 2022.

Check out all the plans here.

Historic facades are being retained as part of the redevelopment

Sunday's public route through the huge building site