Council plans to create new retail shops and laneways alongside the new car park. Photo / Supplied
Council plans to create new retail shops and laneways alongside the new car park. Photo / Supplied
The CBD in Hastings is getting a new car park as part of Hastings District Council's plan to increase vibrancy in the city.
Council has purchased a building at 206 Queen St West, part of which will be taken down to create off-street parking.
The remaining sections of the largebrick building, which at one point was also home to the Hawke's Bay Farmers Co-op garage, are proposed to include retail tenancies, as well as a covered walkway between the car park and Queen St.
Further proposals include creating a performance space in the area and a pedestrian laneway to be created between the carpark and Heretaunga St where the former Envy Shoes shop is located.
It is part of an overall plan, which aims to create a more vibrant city centre - under way starting with the roadworks on Eastbourne St East.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the site provided a fantastic opportunity for better links to the main shopping precinct, as well as new areas for performing arts in the city.
"It will greatly improve our people's city centre experience."
The Hastings City Centre Public Spaces Revitalisation Plan arises from the 2013-33 Hastings City Centre Strategy, which was supported in public feedback during the Long Term Plan Process.
$4.5 million has been set aside for investment in three key areas over the next three to four years, the Central Plaza, the Heretaunga St East Block entertainment precinct and Civic Square.
Hastings district councillor Damon Harvey said Hastings was buzzing with unprecedented upgrades of buildings and public spaces, which will create a CBD that will become a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike.
"We have made a major commitment to revitalising the Hastings City centre, there is so much going on with numerous council-led projects, as well as the commercial sector undertaking large scale projects."
