Nick Johnstone and Nancy Caiger next to the Book Nook which Nick constructed. Photo / Supplied
Nick Johnstone and Nancy Caiger next to the Book Nook which Nick constructed. Photo / Supplied
A small group of Hamilton people is challenging the city council's proposed $3.9 million redevelopment of Garden Place.
During the council's 10 year plan discussions in December, the council voted to include a redevelopment of Garden Place within the plan to bring more people into the city centre.
The development is being led by property investors Matt Stark, Steve McLennan and Brian White of Edwards White Architects.
In response, a community group led by Nancy Caiger has started a series of events to activate the space and show councillors that money is not the only fix to the problem.
On Saturday just under 100 people spilled out on to the green space at Garden Place to exchange books, listen to poems and take part in mini games.
Ms Caiger started the series of events to show council what can be done without a huge amount of money.
"Council had the idea that they wanted to spend $3.9 million to do up Garden Place and really the thing is what is the motivation for that?" Ms Caiger said.
"Have they figured out what the need is or is it just because some developers have come along and said this is what we can do and let's do it because the idea is there?"
Ms Caiger and several other members of the Hamilton community came together after the 10 year plan discussions and had planning sessions of their own in how they could activate the space.
Visitors to the book exchange took part in mini games such as mini golf. Photo / Tom Rowland
"We drew up a few ideas and that is how we got started.
"Just before the end of the year we did our first competition here which was a petanque competition."
The petanque competition also had people from all over Hamilton turning out and winning small prizes on the day.
The prizes came from local businesses in the area that Ms Caiger had talked to in the hopes of more of the immediate community in the area getting involved with activating the space.
The planning for the book exchange followed on from the petanque.
"We thought we should have a book reading day and then from there it was we should build up a little house for the books which Nick Johnston kindly built."
The Book Nook will be permanently placed in Garden Place once a suitable place can be found.
Ms Caiger now wants mayor Andrew King and his councillors to see how the space is being activated. Councillor Paula Southgate was the only councillor in attendance last week. Councillor Angela O'Leary was away but vocally supported the day.
Several of the byelection candidates were also in attendance.
"If they can see what can be achieved without spending the money, maybe the council would be prepared to put part of the budget aside for event activation.
"If we can empower people that this is their space and they can do things then I think it will happen."
Ms Caiger planned for the game pieces for the chess and checkers boards located on Garden Place to be made available, but council had provided her with the wrong key.
Several other events are now in the mix with Ms Caiger looking at the possibility of a tai chi session for workers in the morning and a furniture building day.
