The Masterton Licensing Trust has found a clever way to fill a large and typically deserted carpark near three of its major businesses _ turning it into a motor home mecca.
The trust-owned, sealed carpark at the rear of the Homestead Bar, Cobb & Co and the Copthorne Hotel has justbeen fitted with sewerage and water facilities with hopes that as many as 100 campervans could park up there overnight.
''It's rare the carpark is chocka _ the only time I can remember seeing it full was the Trinity Schools ball last year,'' Homestead Bar manager Gareth Teahan said.
The only other free area in Masterton for campervans to park overnight was outside the Cosmopolitan Club, but that did not offer any dumping facilities, he said.
''Here, you've also got access to three restaurants, a golf driving range and a petrol station.
''It will mean that Masterton will be able to offer 100 more beds to people coming into town for big events.
''At the last Wings Over Wairarapa, there were about 90 campervans parked up in the paddock next to the aerodrome _ visitors like that could now come here.''
He said it was the Caravan Association that suggested the idea, which he has been pushing since November.
Barbecue tables will be placed in the adjacent grass area, which could eventually be used for a camping ground.
Demand for motor home facilities in Masterton was an issue that arose many times at council meetings last year, after complaints about access to the dump station at Mawley Park.
Another station was eyed at Nursery Rd but councillors questioned the security of that site and what would stop it being abused by liquid waste disposal contractors.
Despite the council having just upgraded the Mawley Park station to accommodate larger vehicles, council chief executive Wes ten Hove welcomed the trust's new park and was pleased there was good management in place to supervise it.
