'Sad space' on east side of Hastings to become outdoor dining spot for summer

A leased car park on Warren Street will transform into an outdoor dining area in the evenings and weekends. Image / Hastings District Council

From carpark to dining area, the east side of Hastings is on track to become an outdoor summer socialising spot.

Hastings District Council says by December 2020 there will be more places to gather and socialise in the Hastings CBD.

Work on the bay and lime hedge-fringed Heretaunga Street East dining area is underway and work is set to begin on transforming a council owned carpark on Warren Street into an evening outdoor area.

Read More

• Hastings District Council provides $150k fund for business associations - NZ Herald
• Just the ticket: Hastings District Council selling parking meters for $25 - NZ Herald
• Hastings lures people back to CBD with free arts and culture community day - NZ Herald
• Hastings CBD plan a "massive" missed opportunity - NZ Herald

The carpark will remain a leased carpark during the day but become a dining area in the evenings and weekends. It will back onto Heretaunga Street where hospitality businesses are located.

It is currently unsealed but soon three-quarters of this will be covered with asphalt and the remainder, the dining area, with heavy-duty pavers that can also take vehicles.

Adjoining businesses will be able to set out furniture in the evenings.

As the parking is leased, there will be no impact on the general parking public.

"This is a win/win for council and residents as it tidies up a sad space within the city and gives us valuable social space that can also be utilised as an event space during the Arts Festival and other community events," councillor Wendy Schollum said.

Outdoor spaces have been high on the agenda for Hastings District Council.

Consultation on the Hastings City Centre Public Spaces Revitalisation Plan showed residents, city workers and the business community wanting more places to relax, gather and dine in the city.

"Claiming back and transforming otherwise lifeless areas of our CBD is what will help to continue to grow vibrant activity in our city's heart. The multi-purpose car park area is sure to be extremely popular in summer when so many of us like to enjoy our evenings outside in the fantastic Hawke's Bay climate," Schollum said.

"Beautiful spaces like these are what lift our spirits and bring vibrancy to our city."