Council is encouraging event organisers to look at Baring Square East as a venue, after making a decision to not allow events that would require a road closure on East Street, south of Havelock Street.

Group Manager of Compliance and Development Ian Hyde said the decision by councillors last week meant events on the southern part of East Street would not be permitted between 8am and 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.

“While this means events that have fixed equipment like tents and tables cannot happen in that timeframe, it does allow for a moving event like a Santa parade or other travelling celebration to take place.”

Council has revitalised both the CBD and the Baring Square East in recent years and Mr Hyde said the square now had room for events big and small, plus the ability to close off adjacent streets.

“We’ve successfully held Christmas events and the Hakatere Noodle Market in the revamped area of Baring Square outside Te Whare Whakatere and surrounding streets, and there are also other Council-owned spaces that are available for events, rather than East Street south.”

A delegation from East Street retailers came to Council last year with concerns about road closures on East Street during business hours, saying they impeded regular customers and also had the effect of stopping traffic on side streets, which were now one-way.

Mr Hyde said Councillors’ decision addressed those trading concerns but still allowed for road closures for events on a Sunday.

“This decision supports our bricks and mortar retailers while giving events that have traditionally been held on East Street south, like Market Day or Boulevard Day, a chance to reinvent themselves in a different location.

“And when Mid Canterbury wins the Ranfurly Shield, then we’ll still be able to celebrate it with a tickertape parade on the main street.”