The tree is set to be removed despite its roots wrapping around one of three optic fibre cables running under Junction Street.

The exact position of the cables was identified when council mapped services under the street to see if any needed to be moved ahead of road works to open Junction Court to one-way traffic.

That work is due to start on Saturday, August 18, with council staff demolishing existing structures and the tree being cut down before its stump is ground to below street level.

Shoalhaven mayor Paul Green said the tree’s removal would take place on weekends outside usual trading hours to minimise the impact on business.

Demolition and site preparation is expected to take between three and four weeks.

The existing grassed area will also be removed as part of the upgrade, allowing the road to be opened to eastbound traffic between Kinghorne Street and O’Connell Lane.

Work is expected to be finished by December with new trees and furniture installed as the final part of stage one.

Cr Green said he was happy to see works beginning on the Junction Court project.

“The Junction Court upgrade seeks to bring business, shoppers and pedestrians back to this area through the creation of a safe, vibrant place,” Cr Green said.

“The commencement of stage one of the works program represents a major milestone for the project with the removal of the eucalypt tree, existing structures and erection of new furniture.

“Council is looking to minimise disruption to the public throughout this period, however the redevelopment of the Junction Court is a major project meaning there may be some small interruptions to normal operations.”

While a fence will be erected around the construction area a section of the northern footpath will remain open to allow pedestrian movement to the surrounding businesses.

The design will allow for easy closure of Junction Court for full pedestrian access during special events, while also enabling the taxi rank to remain in its current location.