Private Mayoral Park Proposed In Busy Nelson Carpark

Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 8:52 pm
Article: Max Frethey - Local Democracy Reporter

Nelson’s mayor could get a personal parking spot in Wakatu Square as one of several road and parking changes proposed by the city council.

Currently, the mayoral carpark is in a private lot behind Civic House, but accessing it requires driving over the busy footpath that links the square to Trafalgar Street.

To reduce potential conflict between the mayor’s vehicle and pedestrians, cyclists, and other footpath users, it’s proposed that a car park in Wakatu Square be reserved for mayoral use.

“The mayor, quite understandably, makes numerous trips each day as part of his duties and we are proposing that his carpark be moved to Wakatu Square to reduce the risk of an accident,” said the council’s group manager for infrastructure, Alec Louverdis.

“The deputy mayor no longer parks behind Civic House for the same reason.”

Nelson City Council didn’t answer whether the proposal was put forward by Mayor Nick Smith or council staff.

The carpark that would be lost to public use is immediately adjacent to the loading zone beside the Macpac store.

The council’s private carpark on Halstead Street, a four-minute walk away, was too full to serve as an alternative.

Additionally, yellow no stopping lines are proposed to be added to Trafalgar Street’s intersections with Hardy Street and Selwyn Place.

The changes are intended to improve safety by preventing cars from parking in the intersections, while creating clear access for emergency vehicles.

A 5-minute loading zone is also suggested for the Trafalgar/Selwyn intersection to uphold an earlier council commitment to install one when upper Trafalgar Street was pedestrianized.

The loading zone would formally enable businesses to receive deliveries and allow passengers to be picked up or dropped off.

No stopping lines are proposed be added to Saxton Road East on either side of Saxton Way – the western entrance to the Saxton Field complex by the netball courts.

The entire area is in high demand for parking during Saturday sport events and the change would remove about four carparks.

But the sheer number of parked vehicles lowers visibility in peak times, and the council has recorded accidents at the intersection.

The proposal is therefore expected to improve safety.

Sections of both Valley Heights Road and Valerie Place are suggested to see no stopping lines added for similar reasons.

The entire length of Clarence Drive is also proposed to be marked with the lines.

Consultation on the proposed changes ends at 5pm on Wednesday 26 March.

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