Motorists are being encouraged to find alternative parking as the Masterton town hall demolition site expands from next week.

Project Manager Laura Maclean says it’s all about keeping people safe.

“The Chapel Street footpath next to the town hall is closed to pedestrians and spaces in the Lincoln Road carpark will be greatly reduced.

“There will be large machinery and lots of movement on site as heavy demolition starts. We encourage people to steer clear and choose a different parking spot.”

Hundreds of free parks within a 5-minute walk of the CBD can be found on online at What’s up, Whakaoriori Whakaoriori or by downloading the Discover Whakaoriori app.Whakaoriori app.

A printed map will be made available from the Customer Service Centre, 161 Queen Street shortly.

The next major phase in the redevelopment of Masterton’s civic facilities starts on Monday 15 December when heavy demolition will begin on the town hall auditorium building.

The work is expected to take around 10 days. It will be followed by demolition of the adjoining Municipal Building (which fronts on to Chapel Street) early in the new year and the former civil defence offices at the northern end the building at the end of January.

Following demolition, the site will be cleared and work will begin on the expanded town square, creating community space for events, performances and gatherings.