ASB plans Masterton branch

THE arrival of the ASB Bank in Masterton is imminent with the building of a new purpose-built bank planned for the corner of Queen and King streets at the northern end of town.
Although it is not yet known when building will start, plans are for the bank to occupy an area of land owned by Percy McFadzean being used as a car parking area, mostly used by Freedom Levene and Liquor King customers.
Masterton District Council planning officer Janet Palmer-Langley said she understood building consents had been lodged for what was a permitted activity under the District Plan.
A hearing was held in Masterton yesterday over car parking availability when the new building is constructed, with the council's hearing committee reserving a decision on whether it should grant consent to vary parking requirements to suit the new development.
The new two-storey building will contain retail, office and storage space and has been designed by Duckett Architects.
According to a report lodged with the council by Mr McFadzean, it will be a top quality building, on a site now being under-utilised.
He said the mix of businesses was such that the bank would be open at a time when the liquor outlet was quiet.
The bank usually opened from 9am until 4pm, with the liquor store becoming busy from about 4.30pm and therefore parking needs were complimentary.
Mr McFadzean there was an abundance of council owned car parks nearby including those in Wrigley Street, the library, Cricket Street, Burridges carpark and a new car park in Church Street.
The ASB's arrival would put in train a revival of Queen Street North and a " new face" for the town.
ASB is solely owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Its arrival will mean Masterton would be serviced by six different banks ? ASB, ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, National and Kiwi Bank.