New parking arrangements will be put in place around the Anderson Heights commercial area next month, including around 58 free parking spaces being converted to free one-hour spaces and another ten spaces converted into three dedicated loading zones.

Road markings and signage have been installed to inform the public in advance but no enforcement will take place until November 1.

The new arrangements were consulted on with the area's businesses, residents and property owners in October 2020 and June 2021; and they were approved by the Wānaka Community Board (WCB) in July.

WCB chair Barry Bruce said the aim of the new one-hour time limit was to free up on-street parking for the customers of local businesses in the immediate area.

“Public on‐street parking is intended via the council’s current bylaw to be used as overflow parking when spaces at business premises are fully used, and for visitor parking. At the moment a lot of on‐street spaces in Anderson Heights are tied up by daily commuters and staff which limits the spaces available for customers,” Barry said.

The old Mitre 10 car park remains available for free all-day parking for around 90 vehicles. New signage will be installed to direct drivers to this option.

“We recognise the new arrangements will require people to change their daily routines so I would encourage business owners to talk this through with their staff so everyone is prepared in advance,” Barry said. 

“The old Mitre 10 car park means there’s a good alternative for free all-day parking close to Anderson Heights businesses that can be promoted to staff and customers.”

Feedback from the consultation included comments on the need for loading zones, greater use of the old Mitre 10 car park after the business moved to Three Parks, the need for more parking in general, suggestions on the duration of timed parking in different areas, the fact that some vehicles had been parked without moving for more than a week at a time, and the concern that restricting parking would transfer the problem elsewhere.

Queenstown Lakes District Council senior transport engineer Andrew Edgar said he was confident the changes “achieve a balance and will meet the parking needs of the area”.  

New signage on Cliff Wilson Street, Reece Crescent and Anderson Road identifies areas where free parking is restricted to one hour between 8.00am-6.00pm as well as the three loading zones (two on Reece Crescent and one on Anderson Road).

PHOTO: Wānaka App