We appreciate the Retail Quarter Upgrade work is disruptive. As well as our own efforts to minimise construction impacts, local businesses are also adapting to the change. We noticed a clever bit of social media advertising by George Street business Amplify Dunedin, as work got underway on the Farmers Block. We asked owner Nicole Hellyer a few questions about what Amplify is doing to support their customers through the works.

Tell us about your business?

Amplify is a one stop shop for all your beauty needs. We currently offer laser hair removal, body piercing, waxing, tinting, lash extensions, lash lifts, hair extensions, facials, massage, henna/hybrid brows, brow lamination, peels, skin needling, tooth gems, nails (Nails by Sum) and hair braiding (Xaria Xiomara Hair Art). I started Amplify 5 years ago in my spare room and it has grown 10-fold since then. We are a team of 12 super talented therapists and technicians who love working in such a busy central location.

What are you looking forward to about the George Street development?

I'm looking forward to the stunning new aesthetic that we will have on the street once the redevelopment is done. It's going to be a great vibe when you walk through the city centre.

Currently the works are happening on your block of George Street. What are some proactive actions Amplify is doing to support your customers?

We've let our clients know each step of the way that they may need to leave extra time to get to their appointments. But with the works happening in staggered stages, it really hasn't had a negative impact on people reaching us. Isaac Construction Project Engineer Dan Elliott has been super helpful at letting us know what work is happening when and we've always been able to reach out with any questions.