The Flaming Maniacs perform at the Mid-winter Hastings Night Market in the CBD during the Matariki evening. Photo / Glenn Taylor
In the two-and-a-half years I have worked for Hawke's Bay Today, I have grown rather fond of the Hastings CBD.
There has been much negative comment over the years and a few comparisons between it and Napier, but the fact is that a lot of hard work by many people
has gone into improving the look of the town.
It has become an enjoyable place to work and occasionally, when I get the chance, I like to go for a quick stroll around. The whole atmosphere in town is better. The City Assist staff, who patrol the area, have done wonders. They are low-key and friendly, but have managed to stamp out, from what I can see, the petty crime and loitering that used to go on.
The night market on a Thursday has also been great, drawing a lot of people into town. The Hastings City Business Association and others involved deserve praise for this.
But, the one eyesore that continues to detract from the CBD is the Albert Hotel. I walk past it quite often and always muse about what could be there. Well, finally something is being done about it after a lot of talk.The good news is that the Albert will be gone by Christmas, as we report on the front page and page five of today's paper.
