28 February 2014

Inner city carpark building goes automated

Rotorua District Council’s (RDC) inner city Pukuatua Street Carpark Building is becoming an automated operation from Monday [3 March], while offering safer, more secure, better value and all-weather parking to inner city users.

District councillor and Inner City Revitalisation Strategy leader, Karen Hunt, said the council had been working on parking improvements for shoppers, visitors, retailers and inner city workers as part of the revitalisation strategy.

“Enhancing what’s on offer at our carpark building is one of a raft of measures helping reinvigorate the inner city - a key goal and priority in our new Rotorua 2030 vision.

“Equally important to the council is boosting public safety, and the carpark building’s new services help deliver on both these objectives.

The parking building’s new automated service is available to casual users from 6am to 11pm daily, and includes more safety lighting, security surveillance with CCTV cameras on all floors, access ways linked to 24 hour security monitoring, and easy access automated payment stations. After11pm entry is restricted to reserved carpark ticket holders.

RDC Inner City Revitalisation Projects manager, Portia McKenzie, said the introduction of the automated service allows shoppers to park longer in the inner city, with peace of mind that their vehicles will be safe and secure.

“Casual parking in the carpark building remains at just $1 an hour so inner city shoppers and workers can continue to park at one of the cheapest rates in the country. Motorbikes can also be parked in the carpark building for free.

“The free two hour parking initiative introduced for shoppers just before Christmas has already proved popular, with retailers reporting increased foot traffic. So we expect this extra parking option to help free up more parking spaces for customers on the street.”

The team from radio station More FM will be on site on Monday [3 March] from 7.45am to 9am, giving away free barbecue bacon butties and a carpark ticket to anyone who parks in the building.

Paystations are located at the Hinemoa Street pedestrian entrance with cash and card payment options, while the paystation at the Pukuatua Street entrance accepts card payments only.

Concession parking is also being offered at discounted prices. To secure a longer term reserved park or to purchase a concession card call at City Focus or the council Customer Centre, email mail@rdc.govt.nz or phone the council on 07 348 4199.

ENDS

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