The new gravel carpark on the former Polytech site in Ashburton will be $3 all-day parking during business hours.

Ashburton District Councillors have voted to introduce paid parking to the Cameron Street site when it reopens in March, with only councillor Carolyn Cameron in opposition.

The budget for the demolition of the Old Polytech building and gravel car park extension is $1.56m, although a recent update on the project suggested it would more likely come in at $850,000 due to the original budget being for a sealed car park.

The demolition has been delayed by the discovery of asbestos pipework below ground.

Chief executive Hamish Riach said the demolition is making the existing carpark larger, and the site “mirrors the [parking] at Eastfields, which is a paid space”.

Cr Julie Moffett questioned if a $3 fee was enough, Cr Russell Ellis asked if it was fair that people could park for free after 5pm, and Cr Phill Everest had concerns about the consistency of having free all-day parking sections in the West Street carpark, yet introducing paid parking to a site further from the CBD.

Regulatory manager Rick Catchpowle said the $3 charge, between 9am and 5pm, was in line with the nearby Eastfield paid-parking area.

He said the council is preparing to undertake a review of parking across the CBD later this year.

Riach said the Cameron St carpark will open before the review, and introducing the fee from the outset is easier than trying to introduce after people had free access.

Cr Carolyn Cameron was the lone voice supporting it remaining a free carpark.

“We fought long and hard to get free carparking in the CBD,” Cameron said.

“Free parking is paramount to the growth of the CBD and ensuring the businesses remain viable.”

Deputy Mayor Richard Wilson believed the increased infringement fees would entice people towards the $3 all-day parking option and “free up CBD parks for people who are looking to spend money in our retail sector”.

Cr Phill Hooper said CBD shoppers “have options outside stores and in the West Street carpark”

“If it’s free, it will be full of council staff and other staff.”

Income from introducing paid-parking on the site is estimated to be around $34,000 per-year.

It is estimated installing two pay-by-plate units will be around $20,000, including signage.

By Jonathan Leask