Canopy Bridge carpark to close late October 2020

This page contains information about the Canopy Bridge carpark closing late in October 2020, what is being built in its place, and where you can find other nearby places to park a car.

Updated: 6/10/2020 8:26 a.m.

​By this time next year, the well-used but raggedy carpark between Dent Street and the Hātea River at the Town Basin will be well through its transformation into a $5.2 million park.

“Work is about to start on the project and the carpark will be closing so it is time for people who have been parking there to explore other parking options,” said Infrastructure Planning and Capital Works Manager, Shelley Wharton.

 “There are two other $2-a-day carparks close by, at the bottom of Dent Hill and between Riverside and Hātea Drives and we have opened up more free parking a bit further along Dent Street at Finlayson Street, to complement the free parking available at Reyburn House and Lower Dent street.” 

“We would recommend people plan ahead and try out other options in the area over the next couple of weeks so they are prepared when we put up fences and close the construction site next month.”

Mrs Wharton said for most people the walk into the centre of the city will remain similar in distance and time, just coming from a different direction.

The site between Riverside Drive (going over Victoria Bridge), Dent Street, the Town Basin and the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery, had been earmarked for use as a park ever since the Dent / Quay Street intersection was realigned and the John Street (Canopy Bridge) was closed to vehicles 15 years ago.

“Within a year the space will be unrecognisable, with an amphitheatre for events, a great lawn, terraced waterfront seating, trees, new public toilets, a kinetic sculpture, and illuminated water jets for people to play around in – there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The new urban park will enhance the Town Basin enormously and connect the waterfront with the city centre.”

Mrs Wharton says the Hātea Loop will remain open during the park’s construction.

The public will be invited to help name the park later this year.

The Canopy Bridge Carpark will close in October when the park construction starts.

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