The construction of two sets of toilets, a visitor shelter and a new enlarged car park will get underway in Te Mata Park on Tuesday 24 October 2017.
“This is an exciting time for Te Mata Park. These new facilities are absolutely essential to meet the growing demands being placed on the Park,” comments Mike Devonshire, Chairman of Te Mata Park Trust Board.
The Gates car park will double in size, with an attractive tiered layout that will ensure no obstruction of the incredible view. “A family picnic area will also be developed above the car parks, with comfortable seating and tables. Informative signage boards and native planting have also been incorporated in to the plans.”
One set of public toilets and a visitor shelter will also be built at the Gates Car Park. A second set of toilets is also being built at the Tauroa Rd car park.
“We are confident that these new facilities will become an enduring, popular and welcome addition to the Park’s amenities,” adds Mr. Devonshire.
“More than 200,000 people visit our iconic and much-loved park every year. Requests for toilets and more parking came through strongly in public feedback during the preparation of the Park’s management plan in 2016, and we are thrilled that this project is now getting underway.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of February, weather permitting. “The work should cause minimal interference with visitor’s enjoyment of the Park,” comments Mr. Devonshire.
There will be slight disruption during the construction period with the main gates car park being closed; however that would still leave 72 of the current 99 car parks across the park available. “There is also the informal parking along the very wide verge at the main gates which will still be available,” said Mr Devonshire. “Despite the minimal interruption, we do ask visitors to be patient and considerate of other park users during this construction phase.”
The entrance to the three tracks that converge at the main Gates car park will be realigned away from the construction site. “There will be no impact on the walking and cycling tracks or on Te Mata Peak Road, so this construction work won’t not stop us from enjoying the Park.”
A grant from central Government of $380,000 towards the work was announced in June. The balance of $685,000 will come from a fund Hastings District Council has put aside for a Te Mata Park project.
