Makeover in Hastings CBD

The Heretaunga Street East 200 and 300 blocks are soon to receive a makeover as part of a scheduled street upgrade. This project is the next stage in the ongoing revitalisation of the Hastings town centre. The $1 million plan will see the total upgrade of the road and footpaths of these two blocks. The design will incorporate some of the Hastings street elements seen elsewhere, but will also see the introduction of new urban design features.

Deputy Mayor and Landmarks Advisory Group chair Cynthia Bowers said the upgrade will complete the revitalisation of the eastern end of Hastings. “This project will help continue the link between the recently-completed Opera House precinct and the first street upgrade stage in the Heretaunga Street East 100 block seven years ago.”

Sandra Hazelhurst, chair of Hastings City Marketing, said the upgrade would be well worth any temporary inconvenience caused by construction in Heretaunga Street. “Clearly there is no way to upgrade two whole blocks without some disruption to nearby businesses, but the environment being created will have a lasting benefit for the whole CBD.”

The limestone feature kerbs, olive trees, stainless steel rubbish bins and art deco styled street lights which already grace the centre of Hastings will be continued.

New features will include angle parking on one side, repeating the existing successful Heretaunga Street West parking layout. In addition, shoppers will welcome the introduction of mid-block pedestrian thresholds which offer safe crossing locations, while doubling as speed humps to slow motorists.

The footpath areas will be a combination of asphaltic concrete and wide paving bands which draw on the existing paving style in the centre of town.

The project, which includes the rebuilding of two roundabouts in Heretaunga Street, will take approximately 24 weeks. Contractors will ensure access to all streets is maintained, but this will be reduced to one lane at times with parking on one side of the street only.

ENDS

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