Katikati Market Square gets the green light from council

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has approved plans for a new market square in central Katikati, marking the conclusion of a lengthy process of planning, consultation and design. The space will sit behind the Westpac building, away from State Highway 2, and will link the memorial hall with the library and digital hub.

Katikati Community Board chairman John Clements described the square as a versatile public space that will accommodate food trucks, markets and events such as the jazz festival and Festival of Cultures. The design has increased the number of car parks available, and a sloping kerb near the library entrance has been removed to improve accessibility for prams and people with disabilities.

The plans are expected to go out to tender shortly, with the Community Board hoping construction will begin early in the new year and be finished in time for the Katikati 150th anniversary celebrations in September. Clements acknowledged there would be short-term disruption but said the end result would benefit the whole town. "Events will attract visitors, which is good for the main street shops that service us," he said.

The Community Board has committed to keeping the public updated as building plans become available.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).