Motorists will now face parking charges at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park in a move designed to generate revenue and minimise rates increases for residents.

The new parking fees are expected to generate nearly $2.1 million annually, with charges set at $2 for the first hour, followed by $1.30 for each additional hour, up to a maximum of $4.60 for three hours.

Head of Parks Rupert Bool said, “charging for parking and formalising the time limits means more turnover among vehicles, which means more spots will become available more often for visitors.”

The four designated parking areas within Hagley Park – near the Horticultural Centre, the Cricket Oval, and the Botanic Gardens parking areas off Riccarton Avenue and Armagh Street – will be formalised at the next Council meeting.

The Council plans to install 35 parking meters and new signage, with the charges taking effect from Monday, 28 October 2024.

Bool said that the decision to implement parking charges was first approved in June, when the Council adopted the Long Term Plan 2024–2034. “Next week’s decision is simply about confirming the new rules so that the Council can legally enforce them,” he added.

The current 180-minute time limit for parking will remain in place, applying seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm.

This change is expected to improve vehicle turnover and parking availability for visitors while providing a new source of revenue for the city.