The transformation of a Hastings District Council-owned site at 206 Queen Street West into inner city housing, commercial spaces and a public park can now begin, with a developer agreement now signed, Council announced today.
Following a four-year search for the right development partner, Council has confirmed the partial sale of 206 Queen Street West (the former Farmers’ Co-operative garage building), to Mike Walker Management Ltd (MWM).
“This project brings our community’s vision for a more vibrant, connected city centre one step closer,” said Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst.
“It’s also a positive step towards delivering on our commitment to enable more inner city living, supported by a variation to the proposed district plan in 2019 to allow residential activity in the upper floors of city centre buildings.
“As our population grows we need more housing, at the same time as protecting our valuable growing soils. This kind of development in the inner city is an exciting solution, one that reflects what our community has told us they want — a lively city heart that offers housing, jobs, public space and a sense of place.”
Under the agreement, MWM will deliver:
- A new public park and laneway connecting Queen Street West to Heretaunga Street West;
- Strengthening and reuse of the Farmers’ Co-operative heritage building façade;
- New commercial tenancies and office space;
- Terraced townhouses delivered as market demand allows.
Mike Walker Management Ltd director, Mike Walker said the development was a unique opportunity to blend heritage and modern living in a way that brings long-term value to the community.
“Hastings has a strong identity and rich history, and we’re proud to be part of a project that reflects that,” he said.
“Our approach is to retain and celebrate what’s already here, while delivering spaces where people want to live, work and connect. We believe this redevelopment will be a catalyst for even more investment and vibrancy in the city centre.”
Demolition of the existing buildings is scheduled to begin in August. Stage 1 of works will focus on delivering a new public green space, pedestrian laneways, and strengthening the heritage façade. Stage 2 will see the development of commercial accommodation, with Stage 3 townhouses potentially beginning to be built as early as 2026. Off-plan sales are now open for prospective buyers.
An application is currently underway to amend the existing resource consent, originally granted in May 2023 for a three-storey, mixed-use development comprising 20 apartments. The revised consent will allow for the development of terraced townhouses.
Council confirmed it will retain ownership of the public park and laneways, while divesting the land for commercial and residential use at current market value.
The net cost to Council remains within the $2.5 million budget allocated in the Long-Term Plan 2024-34.
For more information about this project and the off-plan sales go to https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hastings/projects/200-west-block/.
