A new entranceway to Salisbury Reserve on Herne Bay’s Argyle Street has been approved by Waitematā Local Board.
A green space incorporating more trees, a new path into the reserve and lawn will reclaim the site following removal of the Masonic Hall.
Public consultation on options for the reserve was held over a six-week period from July to August in 2018. In total, 68% of participants preferred the option approved by the board while 27% preferred a car park to provide additional parking in the area.
Post consultation, a Parking Utilisation Report was commissioned to better understand parking availability around Salisbury Reserve, Salisbury Street, and parts of Argyle Street and Cremorne Street.
Surveys were conducted on days which were identified as the busiest of the month due to groups using the Herne Bay Petanque Club.
The resulting data revealed that the total number of vehicles parked in all areas of the reserve never exceeded the total number of parking spaces available on street within 200 metres of the site, even during peak-use of the Petanque Club.
Waitematā Local Board Chair Pippa Coom says the redevelopment of Salisbury Reserve entrance as a green space reflects the clear majority of local views.
“The preference from the community proved to be very much about enhancing and preserving green space in the reserve," she says.
“The reserve is especially popular for dog walkers, runners, and families with young children. The approved design will improve access, safety and the experience for all users of this neighbourhood park.
“We’ve also requested that Auckland Transport explores options for mobility parking and step-free access into the Herne Bay Petanque Club to address accessibility issues that were raised with the local board.”
The approved option is also in keeping with the original intention to open up the reserve following its purchase by the former Auckland City Council from an Open Space budget in 2010.
