The building of a visitor shelter and information centre, toilet, and car park in Te Mata Park can get underway immediately, after Government announced funding for the project today.
Minister of Tourism Paula Bennett announced this morning that the Hastings project would receive $380,000.
The news was "fantastic", said Hastings District councillor George Lyons.
Mr Lyons and councillor Malcolm Dixon are the two council representatives on the board of Te Mata Park Trust.
"As the minister says, visitor spend in our region is up by nine per cent to more than $600 million. Te Mata Peak is a huge drawcard for tourists. It is the first place I take visitors when they arrive from out of town," said Mr Lyons.
Mr Dixon said the new facilities would be welcomed by residents and visitors alike.
"It is a very popular place for our locals for walking and biking, and these facilities, especially the toilets, will be very welcome," he said.