Marine Parade development views sought

Photo / HBT

The redevelopment of Napier's Marine Parade is now being sent out for public consultation.

Napier City Council City Development Committee approved the proposal for public consultation yesterday.

The proposal includes a fun and interactive water play area, known as the Reef Garden, a grassed amphitheatre area connecting the Sunken Gardens to the new Reef Garden, and a recreation facility incorporating the existing Marineland site.

Napier City Council City Industry Development Group chairman Keith Price was pleased the project had been approved for consultation. "The group and council have been working on this project for a long time because Marine Parade is such an important part of our city. Now we need the community to tell us what they think."

The council said the proposal would provide a multi-purpose recreation facility for locals, be attractive to visitors to the city, and be a strategic and cost-effective use of Marineland infrastructure.

Up to $5.7 million will be required for the project, through to 2016, of which some will come from rates, and the remainder expected to come from external funders.

The council will be accepting feedback on the proposal from Saturday through to November 19. A hearing for those submitters who wish to to have their views heard will be held on December 4, and a final decision on the proposal is expected by Christmas.

The full consultation document and business case will be on the Napier City Council website later this week, along with directions on how to make a submission.

Hard copies of all documents will also be distributed to Napier Libraries and at the main council reception. These are expected to become available early next week.