New Hastings Urban Laneway Open

 Hastings’ CBD has a dynamic new development with the official opening of the Heretaunga St West laneway. Nestled between two shops at 325 Heretaunga St West the new space will provide an urban retreat just off Hastings’ busy main shopping street, and a convenient walk through to the public car park off Queen St West. This laneway is a first for Hastings.  It echoes similar spaces seen overseas that add “retreat appeal” to busy city centres, and can be used as anything from a quiet lunch area to a performance space. There is also potential for the adjoining buildings to open out onto this space to create greater shopper interaction. The art-deco façade has been cleverly retained, and complemented by a glass canopy, and the ambience of the space is enhanced by designer lighting. Fitted out with gardens and seating, it’s an area that encourages people to relax, including time out for nearby workers. The adjoining carpark provides paid parking for up to three hours at a time, and security comes in the form of CCTV monitoring. This laneway is part of a plan to increase vibrancy in the city centre, an important goal for Hastings District Council and the community. Hastings councillor Damon Harvey, whose portfolio includes Hastings city centre development, said the Hastings CBD was coming alive with council and private businesses investing in the area. “The new laneway is one of many council initiatives and investments, and the city centre is getting more and more vibrant every day.” Other investments of note were the redeveloped Opera House Precinct, an investment of more than $30 million, and $4.5 million was set aside for a wide range of CBD improvements, he said. “We also have exciting private developments such as the former HB Today building.” To mark the completion of this project, a special opening is being held today [Wednesday, December 19], at 5.30pm when invited guests will gather to soak up the atmosphere of the new space. Hastings’ CBD has a dynamic new development with the official opening of the Heretaunga St West laneway today. Nestled between two shops at 325 Heretaunga St West the new space will provide an urban retreat just off Hastings’ busy main shopping street, and a convenient walk through to the public car park off Queen St West. This laneway is a first for Hastings.  It echoes similar spaces seen overseas that add “retreat appeal” to busy city centres, and can be used as anything from a quiet lunch area to a performance space. There is also potential for the adjoining buildings to open out onto this space to create greater shopper interaction. The art-deco façade has been cleverly retained, and complemented by a glass canopy, and the ambience of the space is enhanced by designer lighting. Fitted out with gardens and seating, it’s an area that encourages people to relax, including time out for nearby workers. The adjoining carpark provides paid parking for up to three hours at a time, and security comes in the form of CCTV monitoring. This laneway is part of a plan to increase vibrancy in the city centre, an important goal for Hastings District Council and the community. Hastings councillor Damon Harvey, whose portfolio includes Hastings city centre development, said the Hastings CBD was coming alive with council and private businesses investing in the area. “The new laneway is one of many council initiatives and investments, and the city centre is getting more and more vibrant every day.” Other investments of note were the redeveloped Opera House Precinct, an investment of more than $30 million, and $4.5 million was set aside for a wide range of CBD improvements, he said. “We also have exciting private developments such as the former HB Today building.” To mark the completion of this project, a special opening is being held today [Wednesday, December 19], at 5.30pm when invited guests will gather to soak up the atmosphere of the new space. Photo: The final touches of paint are applied to the laneway ahead of its official opening. Posted: 19 December