Major Upgrade Begins for Central City Carpark

The Central City Carpark on the corner of John and Robert Streets is to get a major upgrade over the next two months, transforming it from a dark, vandalism-prone building into a light, bright, secure parking area.

Next to the Event Cinema complex, and with quick access to both James and Robert Streets, the Central City Carpark is one of the most convenient parking spaces in town, but currently one of the most under-utilised.

Many potential parkers avoid using the facility because of its cramped spaces, dark corners and the ongoing problem with graffiti.

“Council has heard what the public and local businesses have been telling us about safety issues in the Central City Carpark, and realise that’s the reason for the large number of spare parks in the building while drivers are circling the streets outside looking for a space,” says Mike Hibbert, WDC Property Manager.

“This is the most convenient, cheap and weather-protected carpark in town, and Council wants people to enjoy using it.

“We are taking a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to anti-social behaviour in the facility by installing 24-hour security cameras and painting the walls and columns to create greater visibility.”

Work will begin on the first floor of the building on Monday 10 September, with the entire project expected to be completed by mid-November.

Carpark users may experience some inconvenience during that time as sections of the building are closed off for the upgrade work.

However, parking will be available on one or more levels of the building at all times throughout the process.

“Once this first stage of the upgrade is complete, we hope to see large numbers of short and long term parkers taking the opportunity to use the building, both for its convenience and to assist Council in its security efforts,” Mike Hibbert says.

“Obviously, the more people in there, the safer the place will be.”

Anyone wanting more information on section closures in the Central City Carpark over the next two months should phone the Whangarei District Council Customer Services Centre on (09) 430 4200.