"This building has historic importance for our city, and this is proposed to be reflected in the new development that will honour that past, and enhance it for the future.
"We made a change to our district plan in 2019 to make it easier to build residential accommodation in our city, and it's very exciting to make this happen."
While the proposal is to demolish the existing buildings, their heritage facades will be retained and the new design would reflect the original Hawke's Bay Farmers' Co-operative garage – and incorporate the Art Deco and Zig-Zag moderne architectural elements of nearby buildings.
A new three-storey quality residential apartment building would be built at the Queen St end with 18 apartments and private carparking for them. Some public carparking also will be provided.
A public pocket park adjacent to the apartments is envisaged to incorporate native plantings echoing the wetland that occupied the area before flooding in 1867 changed the landscape.
This natural environment will also be reflected in decorative elements in the laneway leading to Heretanga St, using kōwhaiwhai, tukutuku and taniko patterns.
Council is keen to hear what the public thinks of the proposal and is providing more detailed information at a pop-up shop next to Michael Hill Jeweller that is open Monday to Friday, October 10 to 28, from 10am to 4pm each day.
In the shop people can see the design concepts, learn more about the overall project, and have a chance to ask questions.
The resource consent for the work was publicly notified on Saturday, October 8, and people can make submissions until November 7.
Go to https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hastings/projects/200-west-block for more information, and to give your feedback.