STOLEN: The bean bags from the chill-out space have been stolen - but that will not deter more experimental spaces being set up.
STOLEN: The bean bags from the chill-out space have been stolen - but that will not deter more experimental spaces being set up.
Napier's "chill-out" space, which popped up in Market St in February, may stay around a while longer - despite bean bags being stolen from the area.
The Urban Oasis, part of a Napier City Council initiative, has been extremely popular with passers-by, particularly those wanting to take advantage of itsfree WiFi. As a result of the positive feedback about the space, the council is looking at ways to extend its use into the winter months.
Currently, it also features turf, wooden seating, a performance space, large umbrellas for shade, and outdoor bean bags - although for some the bean bags were too much to resist. Last Saturday night, most of the bean bags were stolen and found elsewhere in the CBD - trashed and beyond repair.
"We will have to replace those that are lost to us," Napier City Council strategic planner Fleur Lincoln said. "We've received a huge amount of support for the space, and there is a real sense of ownership from the community, who have until this point done a great job caring for it. It's sad the actions of a few can ruin the enjoyment for so many others."
Police have been notified and CCTV footage is being reviewed.
Further experimental spaces will pop up in the Napier CBD and Ahuriri over coming months. The initiative is part of council's City Vision: small city, big ideas project, which is considering a framework for the city centre and Ahuriri and incorporates areas such as heritage, design and transport.
