Community consultation has been key to the success of the redevelopment of the Havelock North Domain, according to the Hastings District Council. And as new ideas and opportunities came from that consultation, the council showed its willingness to adapt and change its plans.

The result - a safe, vibrant and unique urban park, which tells the story of Havelock North with design elements that are personal to the village, says Rachel Stuart, the council’s parks planning and development manager. “One that really belongs to the community because they made it happen.”

Landscape architect Phil Henderson, of Evergreen Landscapes, started working on concepts for the park back in 2012. He says design options evolved with the purchase of adjoining land from St Columba’s Church, which allowed a link to the Havelock North Village.

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