City centre workers will soon have more all-day parking options with the opening of 160-176 Devonport Road car park on Monday, September 2.

With more than 100 all-day parking spaces and three accessibility bays, there will now be significantly more parking in the city centre than there was in 2023.

Speaking about the opening of the new car park, Tauranga City Development and Partnerships general manager Gareth Wallis says they are continuously looking at ways they can improve people’s experience when coming into the city centre, and they know parking is a key part of that.  

“We have made some significant changes to parking in the city centre over the last year with rate drops, free evening and weekend parking, lease structure changes to open up more spaces for everyone, parking building upgrades, and the opening of two off-street car parks (Dive Crescent and Devonport Road) – together equating to more than 250 spaces.

“This additional parking means we have more spaces in the city centre than we did in 2023, with even more coming soon.” 

The Devonport Road off-street car park will have a maximum daily rate of $12.50 with payment required through the PayMyPark app or the parking machines.

Like all city centre parking, the Devonport Road car park will be free after 5pm on weekdays and free all weekend.  

"If you’re looking to switch up your spring commute for two wheels instead of four, there is also a new sheltered bike stand which can hold up to 24 bikes," says Gareth.

The bike shelter has been repurposed from the Masonic Park bus stop and features the ‘Midnight Sun’ masterpiece by local artist, Sara Hughes. 

“Throughout the transformation of the city centre we are always looking at ways to repurpose materials and the Masonic Park bus shelter is a perfect example of this.

“The ‘Midnight Sun’ artwork by Sara Hughes really stands out in the Devonport Road car park and was a great way to provide bike shelter at a reduced cost," says Gareth. 

The Devonport Road car park is intended to be a temporary car park for approximately five years, and follows the purchase of 160-176 Devonport Road last year.

This land purchase was part of Tauranga City Council’s strategic property acquisition strategy to make land available for redevelopment over the next 10+ years.

Gareth says the buildings at 160-176 Devonport Road were unfit for long-term use, and with the building leases expiring, it was an opportunity for council to help provide more parking options for city centre workers or those people coming in for the day.

Gareth Wallis says the long-term use of the site is yet to be determined, however in the short-term, it provides them with an opportunity to respond to local business requests for more all-day parking. 

Parking building changes 

Taking on board feedback from the community and local businesses, the parking buildings have also been undergoing some changes to help make them a more appealing place to park.  

From September 2 2024, the following parking buildings changes will come into effect: 

1. No more barrier arms and no paper tickets.  
2. New number plate recognition cameras will monitor the time you enter and exit the building.   
3. New payment machines (like used on-street) will replace the old machines.    
4. You will now be able to use the PayMyPark App for the parking buildings and all city centre parking.   
5. More CCTV cameras.   
6. Additional lighting.  
7. New signs.   

On top of these changes, the Spring Street car park building has a colourful new look with additional lighting, making it an ideal place to park at night if you are heading to Baycourt for a show or popping into the city for a bite to eat.  

Spring Street car park lit up at night. Photo supplied.

“The city centre transformation is progressing at pace and providing parking options is a key part of that.

“We are making changes now to showcase the range of parking options available in the city, all just a short walk away from your favourite bars and eateries.

“Don’t take our word for it, come and check it out for yourself," says Gareth. 

For more information on where to park in the city centre visit: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/living/travel/parking/where-to-park