Whangārei's Te Matau a Pohe bridge carpark to get facelift

A plan of what the upgraded bascule bridge carpark in central Whangārei will look like. Image / Supplied

Potholes in Whangārei's bascule bridge carpark are set to become a thing of the past with plans to upgrade the entire area early next year.

The gravel carpark, at the foot of Te Matau a Pohe bridge, will be sealed as part of the project.

A total of 61 car parks and eight campervan parking spaces will be painted on to the new surface. A 1500sq m parkland will also be created.

Whangārei District Council is calling for tenders for the project which will include sealing the carpark, installing sustainable stormwater management, new gardens, seating, footpaths, decking, lighting, CCTV and a shade structure.

The current drinking fountain, toilets and pop-up cafe will be retained.

The council said the aim is for construction to begin early next year.

The total cost of the project will be revealed after the contract tenders have been awarded. Some of the funding will come from the Government's Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

During the project the carpark will be shut for up to three months, but the Hatea Loop will remain open and alternate parking for the loop will be available at Cobham Oval.

The council said the completed project will be an excellent gateway to the Hātea Loop and provide overflow event parking for the Northland Events Centre.

The project is part of ongoing, steady development around the popular Hātea Loop walkway.

The carpark is a popular parking spot for people using the loop. It is also one of the locations around Whangārei designated for self-contained and non self-contained freedom campers.