For immediate release

Mayoral candidate Jack Yan calls for new Cuba Street park

Wellington, May 27

Wellington City Mayoral candidate Jack Yan says if he is elected, he will move to see the establishment of a new inner-city park on Cuba Street.

The Wellington City Council's 2012-2022 long term plan budgets for $3.2 million to be spent on new inner-city park space and Mr Yan proposes that the money be spent on Cuba Street.

"Ideally, I would like to see Council invest in a new park on the present Wilson carpark next to Swan Lane on Cuba Street.

"The site receives a large amount of sun and Cuba Street has high foot traffic. There is also a large number of apartment buildings in the area, with further developments, such as the INK Apartments on Ghuznee Street planned. It's a natural fit.

"A park space here will make Cuba Street an even more attractive destination. This will help bring businesses back to the street, which have been turned away through earthquake strengthening concerns."

Mr Yan says that the space will also encourage greater collaboration between Wellingtonians, who will find it a useful meeting-place.

He says if elected later this year, he will work energetically with other Councillors to direct officers to evaluate this and other sites for an inner city park.

Mr Yan says it is part of a longer-term revitalization plan that he envisions for the Cuba Quarter, which he believes has great technological and development potential.

"It's been a while since a new inner city green space has been created and during this time, the inner city population has continued to rise. Inner city residents, workers and visitors, all need somewhere outdoors where they can relax."

Summary:
• Mayoral candidate Jack Yan says he will move to see the Council construct a new inner city park on the Wilson carpark site on Swan Lane and Cuba Street.
• WCC has already budgeted $3.2 million for a new park
• Mr Yan believes construction of a park on Cuba Street will help reverse the trend on Cuba Street of businesses moving elsewhere.
• WCC's capital value for the site is $1.25 million

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