City centre update - November 2022

Christmas is coming

Preparations are underway to install Christmas decorations around the city centre streets and open a Santa’s Grotto at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.

The main street snake lights in the city centre will all be lit up with LED lights and from December 3 to 22, illuminated giant reindeer will be on display in Albert Square.

Mini-golf in the mall will be returning from November 24 to 27, bringing people into the heart of the city.

From December 3 to December 22, Albert Square will be lit up with a lighting display themed around Santa’s workshop – evenings 7.30pm-11pm.

Santa’s Grotto will be in the Tama Tūranga Huata venue at Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre from December 1 to 23.

There will be lots of family activities, especially for younger kids, including a chance to meet and have a photo with Santa.

Aside from the general public sessions, others will be held for schools and early childhood providers, and there will be some low-sensory sessions that people who would like this option can book.

The confirmed open dates and times will be advertised closer to the time.

Taste Hastings

Heretaunga St East came alive with the Taste Hastings event on November 4. The weather was perfect and hundreds of happy punters took the opportunity to sample a large selection of Hawke’s Bay wines and soak up the street party vibes and live music.

Rush Munro’s was newly open at its new temporary premises on Albert Square and did a roaring trade.

Hastings City Centre upgrade programme

Final touches on the paving area in Queen Street East 200 and Karamū Rd – to add final planter boxes and bicycle stands

Eastbourne Street East 300 block: Stage 1 of this street enhancement has commenced and will complete the Eastbourne Street East street upgrade between Hastings Street and Warren Street. New footpath paving, street lights and rata trees will complete the visual link between the Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre and the Hastings Art Gallery and Library.  Stage 1 work on the south side has commenced and scheduled to be complete by Thursday 1 December.  Following the Christmas shut down period, Stage 2 will commence on Monday 9 January with the north side footpath, trees and road reseal  This work is scheduled for completion 1 April.  Full pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Planning will commence early next year for the next streetscape upgrade – King Street, between Queen and Eastbourne.

Ongoing activities at Council facilities

Toitoi / HB Arts & Events Centre

https://www.toitoivenues.co.nz/whats-on/

Hastings City Art Gallery

Landscapes of Loss: Lisa Chandler – now until 4 Dec

Icebound: Jonathan Kay – 5 Nov – 29 Jan

Urns for Unwanted Limbs and Other Things: Virginia Leonard – 12 Nov – 5 Feb

Waiora: Hemi Macgregor – 17 Dec – 12 Mar

Check the Hastings City Art Gallery website for more details.

Hastings District Libraries

See www.hastingslibraries.co.nz for more details on events and programmes.

10 November 2022

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