Council Stands by Te Puke Plaza Project Despite Resident Criticism

The Bay of Plenty District Council is standing firm on its Te Puke Plaza refurbishment project completed in August, despite criticism from local resident Richard Howard who has called it a waste of money and requested the reinstatement of parking spaces. Howard claims the newly refurbished plaza features cheap-looking seating and a deck that serves no practical purpose, and argues that parking should be available outside the pharmacy for elderly and injured customers. Council director of transportation Calum McLean stated the plaza refurbishment was delivered in partnership with the Te Puke Community Board to revitalise the town centre and create a more welcoming community space. McLean acknowledged not everyone would agree with the changes but said the design was shaped by the community board and urban design principles, with future artworks planned in partnership with local iwi Tapuika and Waitaha. He confirmed no parking spaces were removed for the refurbishment, with spaces remaining available on Jellicoe Street, Commerce Lane, and the Commerce Lane car park.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.