July update - what's new and happening in the city centre in coming weeks

There's a lot happening in the city centre over the coming months as the street upgrades continue, and the busy Spring/Summer events season starts to kick off. See below an update on some of the activities and events lined up.

Hastings city centre outdoor dining and seating upgrades

Coming up – July to December 2021

• John’s Bakery (Heretaunga 300 West)
• Thompson’s Suits (Heretaunga 300 West)
• Madeleines (Heretaunga 300 West)
• Westerman’s Café (Russell Street South)
• Breakers Restaurant (Heretaunga 100 East)

These projects are enhancements of existing outdoor dining or seating areas, so won’t use any existing car parking spaces. The design will be similar to the improvements made in the Heretaunga East 200 block using elements from the same palette, including planter boxes with lime hedges, permanent umbrellas and new paving.

The projects are all components of the City Centre Revitalisation Plan, put together in 2019 in consultation with the business community. Made up of 23 ‘Hastings Alive’ projects, they are designed to encourage people to enjoy our city centre, day and night. 

Projects almost completed

Heretaunga 200 East: The second stage of the Hastings Eastside Eat Street project, made possible by $300,000 funding received from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency’s Innovating Streets pilot fund. The transformation of this block is nearly complete, with decorative gates, festoon lighting and bunting, and raised pedestrian crossings are just some of the initiatives aimed at making this area even more people-friendly for visitors and businesses.

Queen Street East 200: The pavement works on the corner of Karamu Rd and Queen St will be completed following the conclusion of construction works on the Hansen development.

Looking ahead: Early 2022 projects

Heretaunga Street East 300 block: Final design is being prepared for the upgrade of this block, with construction expected to be carried out early next year in time for the opening of the Municipal Buildings in April 2020. While yet to be confirmed, the design is likely to include outdoor dining along the full length of the Municipal Building, and an outdoor seating area on the corner of Heretaunga and Warren streets.

Eastbourne Street East 300 block: This street enhancement, scheduled to start early next year, 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 Arts and Events Centre and the Hastings Art Gallery and Library.

Municipal Building

Council has been calling for potential tenants for the Municipal Building, scheduled to be up and running in early to mid-2022. This has been going well with discussions being held with prospective parties.

Read more on the Municipal Building project page.

Waiaroha Water Treatment and Storage

Work on installing the pipes that will connect Hastings' new water storage and treatment plant, on the corner of Southampton St and Hastings St, is well underway. The affected streets are (not all at the same time): Lyndon St East, Warren St South and Eastbourne St East. The contractors, Drainways, are keeping businesses neighbouring the project updated and Council is providing information to the wider public as the project progresses. 

The work plan has been designed to keep disruption to the minimum possible, especially around the number of sites being worked on at any one time, however some inconvenience as we proceed with this critically important project is inevitable. We thank the community for their patience. 

Focus on Business breakfast

Following two successful events held this year, the final in this business breakfast series for 2021 will be held in November, date to be advised.

Upcoming events

Edible Fashion Awards

When: August 31 - September 4

Where: Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre

Find out more on the Edible Fashion Awards website

Waiata Music Awards

When: September 10

Where: Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre

See Waiata Music Awards website for more information

Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Raceday

When: September 11, 11am-6pm

Where: Hastings Racecourse

More details on the Hawke's Bay Racing website.

Blossom Festival and Parade

When: September 11

Where: Hastings City Centre

For more info go to Event Finda.

Guilin/Hastings Sister Cities 40-year celebrations

When: September 22-24

Where: Functions on Hastings, Toitoi

Sister Cities showcase, community information and school, children’s activities.

When: September 25

Sister Cities Alive performances, details to be confirmed.

Ongoing activities at Council

Hastings City Art Gallery

Te MOKO on our face/in your face exhibition and floor talks

This exhibition runs until August 15, showcasing the dynamic, ever-changing expression of contemporary Māori art by Iwi Toi Kahungunu – Māori Artists.

Saturday, July 24, 11am – Three tāne artists talk about their practice and artworks

Saturday, August 7, 11am – Hear from Iwi Toi Kahungunu artists and exhibition curator Sandy Adsett.

Check the Hastings City Art Gallery website for more details.

Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre

Go to the Toitoi website for the latest events and information

Hastings District Libraries

It’s the school holidays and the team at Hastings District Libraries has a number of programmes running to keep the kids entertained.

Check the Hastings District Libraries website to find out more.

5 October 2021

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