The redevelopment of Cameron and James Street created a retail-friendly, pedestrian-prioritised laneway that complements the pedestrianisation of Cameron Street Mall. This project is anchored by the construction of an attractive canopy that covers the intersection of Cameron Street Mall and James Street. The canopy has created an all-weather space for people to enjoy and for performance art and events.
Council and the community want to see regeneration of the city centre to strengthen business growth in the area. The city centre fulfils important roles as the financial and service sector hub as well as a place for dining, retail and entertainment. For this to be successful, Council, local businesses and developers need to work together to deliver meaningful improvements.
Following the completion of the Cameron/James Street Canopy, further work will be undertaken to investigate possible future canopies for Cameron Street. These canopies will provide greater opportunities for al fresco dining and further activation of this space. The potential for greater weather protection will provide more opportunities for year-round activities in the city.
Additional green space is provided in Laurie Hall Park in order to accommodate the War Memorial and expanded community and civic events. This will involve a reconfiguration of the car parking and green space to create a flexible area which would accommodate key civic events such as ANZAC and commemorative celebrations.
Upgrades to the existing transit centre will focus on providing greater amenity, convenience and safety. Intra-regional bus and coach services have been relocated to the Hub at the Town Basin, leaving a dedicated facility for the local bus network. A new facility would include improved shelter, seating, light and security. This project will also help create an entranceway to Bank and Vine Streets.
A privately funded, purpose built boutique hotel is proposed on the elevated slopes of Dent St, taking advantage of its proximity to the Town Basin and outstanding views of the Hatea River and Parihaka . This high quality facility would fill a substantial gap in the local market and is proposed to complement future conference facilities and any iconic building/structure opportunities. While Council owns the land no funding is allocated for this development.
The completed stage 1 project has seen the Central City Car Park upgraded to provide suitable off-street parking in the centre of Whangarei.
Stage 2 will involve the installation of barrier arms to allow more flexible parking.
A tertiary education campus within the centre of Whangarei would attract a large number of students, bringing vitality to the centre of Whangarei. The creation of a new campus would be a significant redevelopment opportunity and would act as a catalyst for supporting services and businesses.
Business and building owners, in partnership with Council, are driving the revitalisation of Bank Street. This will focus on the unique heritage of the area as well as improvements to public spaces to create a more inviting an vibrant space for retail, hospitality and small businesses.
To create a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings, retail businesses are encouraging more people to visit shops, bars and cafes with late night opening hours complemented by performance art and events for the whole family to enjoy. The canopy and laneway have created an attractive focal point for evening events. Future projects may include regular night markets, improved lighting and more frequent events.