Works to rejuvenate the city centre started earlier this year, but it's construction that began last week that has really taken its toll on Bohemi Boutique owner Jessica Schembri.

She said works to replace pavers in front of her shop have blown dust into her store and created noise so loud she can't speak to customers.

"The workmen offered me earplugs and suggested I close all of doors - this is not something I as a business owner should be having to do," she said.

The disruption is compounded by Cooper Street being closed to traffic in one direction and the removal of parking in the street.

"This is a major impact on our business as we are losing passing by tourist and local traffic which makes up approximately 50 per cent of our sales," Ms Schembri said.

The boutique owner said her takings had decreased by 75 per cent since the works started in June.

Related: Cessnock CBD under construction

"I've spent the last few days cancelling stock orders," Ms Schembri said. "I'm pretty fearful of the future."

Ms Schembri said she was only given one day notice about the works that started last week. She said she had also reached out to council several times but couldn't seem to get any answers.

A council spokesperson said council officers met with Ms Schembri on Thursday to discuss traffic flows and on Friday to apologise for the delay she experienced in getting in touch with the project engineer.

Ms Schembri said she understood the purpose of the project was to revitalise the CBD, but wanted compensation for local businesses in the meantime.

"Because after all, we are the heart of the town," she said. "The biggest concern is that these works will continue until September, maybe longer. And our business will not survive such conditions until then."

Another Cooper Street business questioning whether they will survive the works is BJ's Shoe Repairs.

Co-owner Karen Johnstone said the few customers who were braving the works had told her they did not want to come into town.

"We hear it all the time, people saying they're just going to Green Hills," she said.

"My husband and I have used all our savings [to stay afloat] and we've been running for 36 years."

She said the lack of parking was a killer, as well as a lack of public toilets in the area.

"I can see what the council is trying to do - they're trying to make it a safer space, but you need customers," she said.

"I don't know what the answer is but I don't think this is it. I'm the most patient person but I'm coming to the end of my tether.

"We can complain all we like, but council has an agenda already. But by the time they're finished a few of us may not be here."

The Advertiser asked council what it was doing to help the affected businesses.

Council did not answer that question, but said businesses had been encouraged to consider special promotions or collaborations with other businesses to see what could be leveraged.

But Ms Schembri said she had tried these initiatives and they were all additional costs to her business.

The council spokesperson said keeping businesses informed about any potential disruptions was a priority.

Before the works started, one-on-one meetings were held with business owners to explain how they would be impacted and council's plans to mitigate the impact by undertaking night works, maintaining pedestrian access and dust management.

The spokesperson said communication had been ongoing via email, face to face and a dedicated online portal.

"This communication encourages businesses to be proactive, noting disruption may be unavoidable when the work site is in the heart of the CBD," the spokesperson said.

"The project is progressing well and is expected to be completed by September."