Hastings City Mall

Redevelopment of the central pedestrian plaza of Hastings District, including the rail crossing. 

Hastings City Mall (also known as Central Plaza) is a pedestrian space on Heretaunga St, a section closed to vehicles. It is a well-established and dedicated pedestrian gathering space with the Long Term Plan proposing further activation and enhancement to continue to develop it as a ‘people-orientated space’. 
 
Armed with the understanding of our wider landscape of Heretaunga, the discussions with our iwi artist partners lead us to Waiharakeke. 
 
Repo, reporepo, poharu and roto (wetlands) is a taonga to Māori and holds historical, cultural, economic, and spiritual significance. They are an area to gather food and provide a habitat for a range of things to thrive such as plants, animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and insects. 
 
Waiharakeke was the centre of the textile industry in the heart of Heretaunga. In this area there were many wetland, bogs, and ponds known as Waiharakeke and some areas the Måkirikiri was lines with harakeke that towered each side of the river. 
 
Different Harakeke was used for different uses, such as Awahou, Raupare, Awanga. 
 
Colours assocatied with Traditional dye colours for Harakeke (Paru, Raurekau Karamuramu, Taupata) Mana in dark blacks. Old shoreline Pakipaki (Black sand) high iron levels. 
 
The project team took this concept through a detailed assessment phase, exploring different opportunities. These included: 
  • Future proofing spaces for potential changes in business within the adjacent buildings. Providing outdoor flexible spaces for hospitality 
  • Developing details around the rail corridor with Kiwi Rail and requirements around new crossings 
  • If keeping the fountain is not feasible how water can play a role in this space 
  • Exploring ways to bring in different height elements while not restricting the viewshaft to Te Mata 
  • Reassessing shade and sun requirements 
  • Creating performance and art installation spaces 
  • Incorporating flexible spaces that can be used for events and temporary activities 
  • Developing stronger pedestrian connections and desire lines 
  • Reassessing each design decision to ensure the best outcomes are achieved in this space 
  • Further exploring stormwater requirements and utilities 
  • Refining the design with consideration to CPTED requirements 
Construction of City Mall is scheduled to commence in 2026. 
 
KARAKIA WHAKAKAPI 
Rauhī a Papatūānuku, 
Rauhī a Ranginui, 
Rauhī aTāngata, 
Whakaruruhau ā mua. 
Tūturu whakaumaua kia tina, 
Haramai te toki, 
Haumi e, hui e, tāiki e! 
If we take care of the land, 
If we take care of the water, 
If we take care of the people, 
We will protect our future. 
We comprehend and agree, let make it so.
Wayfinder-Hastings-City-Mall-Approval-Consent-Land-Development-Hawkes-Bay

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