Pop-up spaces inject sense of fun

Published: 26 February 2015

Last Updated: 3 May 2017

Media Release

A new ‘chill-out’ space in Market St is already proving to be a hit with passers-by.

Featuring bean bags, free wifi, performance spaces and more – the area, dubbed ‘Urban Oasis’ are part of a new Napier City Council initiative.

Another similar space will open in Lower Emerson Street at the end of the week.

“We are really keen to see how people use these spaces. They are experimental, so we want to hear what you think of them – what you like or don’t like and how we could improve them” said Napier City Council’s Strategic Planner Fleur Lincoln.

“It’s about having a few places in the city where we try some ideas out, to make a space that is fun and contemporary. We want to funk it up a bit.”

The Market Street space features turf, outdoor bean bags, large comfortable seating, market umbrellas for shade, a performance platform, and free wifi. Buskers wishing to make use of the performance space can book spots through Council’s Planning Department.

The Emerson Street West space will be more interactive, with games, seating and shade.

“Napier City is already fantastic. But we don’t just want to shop. We want somewhere to meet our friends, be entertained, people watch, and feel the buzz of being part of a great place,” Ms Lincoln said.

“These spaces will be fun and quirky, and will change over their short life. The local business community are right behind us, and we are grateful to our sponsors including Big Save Furniture, Supergreene Team, Mitre 10 Mega, NOW, Environmental Management Services, and those businesses close-by who have committed to caring for the spaces, particularly the Criterion Backpackers and Spec Savers.”

And after being ‘open’ for just one day, the Market St space was getting rave reviews from the public, Ms Lincoln said.

This is just the start. New spaces will pop up in other parts of Ahuriri and Napier’s CBD over coming months.

Give us your feedback at the Urban Oasis "Talk to Us" website, or pop into Council’s Planning Department.

PHOTO CAPTION: Napier City Council  Strategic Planner Fleur Lincoln, Napier City Business Inc Manager Zoe Barnes with Napier Mayor Bill Dalton relax in the new pop-up space in Market Street.

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