A new gravel car park on Ashburton’s former polytech site will be $3 all-day parking during business hours.
District councillors have voted to introduce paid parking to the Cameron St site when it reopens in March. Only Councillor Carolyn Cameron was in opposition, wanting it to remain free.
The budget for the demolition of the building and gravel car park extension is $1.56m, although a recent update on the project suggested it would more likely come in at $850,000 due to the original budget being for a sealed car park.
The demolition has been delayed by the discovery of asbestos pipework below ground.
Councillor Julie Moffett questioned if a $3 fee was enough, Councillor Russell Ellis asked if it was fair that people could park for free after 5pm, and Councillor Phill Everest had concerns about the consistency of having free all-day parking sections in the West St car park yet introducing paid parking to a site further from the CBD.
Deputy Mayor Richard Wilson believed increased infringement fees would entice people towards the $3 all-day parking option and “free up CBD parks for people who are looking to spend money in our retail sector”.
“Free parking is paramount to the growth of the CBD and ensuring the businesses remain viable,” Cameron said.
Regulatory manager Rick Catchpowle said $3 between 9am and 5pm was in line with the nearby Eastfield paid-parking area. The district council was preparing to undertake a review of parking across the CBD later this year.
