A $5.7 million redevelopment of Napier's Marine Parade has been given the thumbs-up - provided the local ice cream parlour can stay.
In October, Napier City Council called for feedback on its plans to revamp the area around Marineland, including turning the site of the closed attraction into a recreationfacility for roller-sports and other activities.
The development plans include building a reef garden and a grassed amphitheatre on neighbouring council land.
The council received 237 written submissions on the proposed project and will meet on Thursday to hear from those who have requested to submit in person.
A report by council staff summarising the views of written submitters said 156, or just under two-thirds, supported the development, 30 submissions were opposed and the remaining 51 were unclear or did not state a view.
Top concerns for those who sent their views in were the design of the planned skate park and a worry that the multi-million ratepayer-funded development might hamper being able to buy an ice cream.
A council analysis of the submissions found 67 expressed general support for the project, 51 offered design suggestions for the roller-sports area and 47 wanted to ensure Marine Parade ice cream parlour Lick This! remained in business if the project went ahead.
That was more than twice as many submissions as were lodged on the next most popular topic: the fate of Marineland and its animals.
Napier resident Graham Neale said in his submission Lick This! was a "piece of Napier character" where the service was always friendly and efficient.
"It has always given us an excuse as a family to walk that bit further along the parade from the town so we can buy an ice cream," he said.
The ice cream parlour's owner, Steve Manning, said in his submission the business should continue on its present site because it fitted with the council's aim to make Marine Parade child-friendly.
"Lick this! is already a successful business, with a solid track record. It adds to the vitality of the parade in general," he said.
In her report for Thursday's hearing meeting, the council's community development manager, Antoinette Campbell, agreed an ice cream parlour was an appropriate fit for the location.
