Christchurch City Councillors are set to sign off on a plan to introduce parking charges at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.
The Council says the move will minimise rates increase to Christchurch residents by generating almost $2.1 million a year, based on $2 for the first hour and then $1.30 for each additional hour, up to a maximum of $4.60 for three hours.
“As well as keeping rates lower, charging for parking and formalising the time limits means more turnover among vehicles, which means more spots will become available more often for visitors,” says Council Head of Parks, Rupert Bool.
Councillors will formalise the four parking areas within Hagley Park – by the Horticultural Centre, the Cricket Oval and the Botanic Gardens parking areas off Riccarton Avenue and Armagh Street – at their meeting next week.
The Council plans to have the 35 meters and new signage installed, and to start charging, from Monday 28 October.
Mr Bool says Councillors approved the decision to start charging for parking in Hagley Park back in June, when the Long Term Plan 2024–2034 was adopted.
“Next week’s decision is simply about confirming the new rules so that the Council can legally enforce them,” Mr Bool says.
The carparks will keep the current 180 minute limit, seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm.
