Albert Square: 'funky and a bit edgy'

Andrea Vernik-Taaffe leaps off the stage made of containers on the newly-named Albert Square. Photo / Duncan Brown

Preparations for the Hastings CBD's new Albert Square are almost complete. The site of the former Albert Hotel has been transformed into a lush and attractive new public green space.

The hotel had previously been vacant for four years as it continued to decay after being deemed dangerous by the council in 2009.

Owner Michael Whittaker demolished the broken down former hotel - setting his sights on an opportunity that would enliven the central business district.

A line of containers will be put in along the wall, one of which becomes a pop up theatre with a flip down front available to community groups, performers and musicians of all genres.

As part of Blossom Parade festivities, the new park will open complete with established trees and seating areas.

There will also be an operating box, a history board and artwork to cover the old brickwork.

Andrea Vernik-Taaffe, event and promotions manager for the Hastings City Business Association, said they had great plans for where the space would go.

"We are very excited to support the Blossom Parade and use the opportunity to soft launch the new site.

"We have an awesome line-up for the inaugural performance and plan to have regular performances in future," Ms Vernik-Taaffe said.

Land is being leased by Hastings District Council for the next three years while the Hastings Business Association is tasked with running events.

They hope it will be a popular spot for residents and city workers to eat lunch while soaking up the atmosphere.

Business association manager Susan McDade was thrilled to come on board with the project and push it forward.

"We are really excited about it, because it will become a focal point for that end of town - it will be a community meeting space that's a bit funky, a bit edgy and a bit different from your standard council park."