The addition of an extra two parking buildings to Whangarei could throw up some interesting conundrums.
It may mean a move for Whangarei's popular grower's market. But where to?
The Town Basin would be an obvious venue, although inner city retailers are unlikely to be happy with the transfer of several hundred
shoppers away from that end of town. Or do growers market shoppers restrict their spending to the market itself?
Another venue that has been tossed up before is the underside of the grandstand at the Northland Events Centre. I'm not sure how widely that idea has been shared. I think I first heard it within rugby circles a year or so ago.
The stadium would provide an all-weather venue, but it's a wee bit out of town. Long term, perhaps the Town Basin - given the massive change planned for that area - could be the natural home for what has become one of the country's most successful markets of its kind.
As for the parking buildings, I suspect these are going to be required for the commuter market as opposed to being facilities for local shoppers.
We have enjoyed free parking on the outskirts of Whangarei for a long time - a luxury that is not afforded residents in towns of a similar size.
Northlanders love to park for free and close to their destination. At weekends, although not free, I've discovered ample parking in the upper levels of the John St parking building. I reckon most locals perceive it is "out of the way".
I confess, I used to circle the block looking for a parking spot in Cameron St, but they're about as rare as teeth at the Whangarei Poultry and Pigeon Club's annual show.#I find I used less gas, stress and time by parking in John St.
When the rugby World Cup starts in Whangarei, I'm certain there will be locals turning up 10 minutes before the game starts, expecting to park their car outside the gate, buy tickets, hotdogs and chips and be seated in a front row seat before kick-off.
We consider it our God-given right to park close to our destination.
Not any more.
Ongoing development in Whangarei will eventually mean the loss of the free parking areas at the Basin - a fact we simply have to face up to. And don't forget to turn up at least 15 minutes early for the World Cup games.
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