Mount Maunganui's new urban green space development at 123-141 Maunganui Road is set to begin soon, providing a new space for people to enjoy by December 2018.

It will feature grass areas to play and relax, native trees to provide shade and a flexible space for events and activities all year round.

The new park will start taking shape from the end of March, transforming the current carpark into an urban space that everyone can use, and Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout is looking forward to seeing residents and visitors embrace the new asset.

'The park is designed for people to enjoy. It will create a greater sense of belonging for our community by encouraging social interaction through a shared space to rest and play,” he says.

Councillor Leanne Brown is excited about the new urban space that will finally start shortly.

'The new space will be a really welcoming and relaxing area for both visitors and locals, ideally encouraging them to stay longer in the Mount CBD. Local businesses will also enjoy the economic benefits through increased foot traffic and a relaxed customer experience,” says Leanne.

'It will be a flexible usable space that will enhance its unique surrounding, and will accommodate a range of events as well as play a significant cultural role. As a city we are changing, and we hope this will pave the way for similar projects across the city.”

The transformation into a park is set to start on Thursday with the removal of a small number of Phoenix palms at the northern end of the park. This will take place prior to Easter and after hours to minimise disruption.

The northern end of the carpark will be blocked off following Easter weekend, with the remaining area of the car park available for customers as long as possible.

The temporary Tourism Bay of Plenty visitor information centre and the Mount Mainstreet office building will be shifted off-site in the week following Easter.

Council is working collaboratively with Mauao Properties Ltd who is redeveloping the site at 113-121 Maunganui Road, adjacent to the northern end of the park, providing an active edge to the new urban space including outdoor dining facilities.

Mauao Properties Ltd is demolishing the existing building at 113-121 Maunganui Road with a new development being constructed. The new premises will house some high profile retailers along Maunganui Road. Additionally, there will be several hospitality offerings opening out onto the new open green space, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy food and beverages, all while soaking up the atmosphere.

The construction works on both the park and 113-121 Maunganui Road site are being coordinated to minimise disruption for the public. Both projects are scheduled to be completed and open in December 2018. Council will keep the public informed about next steps of the project.

Parking changes during and after park construction

The number of parking spaces in the Phoenix carpark area will fluctuate during construction. Parking spaces that remain available will become free of charge, with time limits. Four temporary spaces will be created for mobility parking near the development.

The final park design will retain up to 20 car parks, including mobility car parks. The parking area next to May Street will remain open and will be expanded to include 12 extra parking spaces. All parking will be free with time restrictions.

In anticipation of the development, new permanent parking spaces are also being added in Nikau Crescent and Prince Avenue, retaining the balance of parking spaces in the downtown Mount area.

Stay up-to-date with the project at www.tauranga.govt.nz/urbanspace