Work has begun on a long-planned upgrade of Aspen Reserve in central Tauranga.

The upgrade aimed to transform the historic site into a greener, more welcoming inner-city space.

“The Aspen Reserve upgrade has been long in the planning, with a ‘value for money’ upgrade being approved by council,” Tauranga City Councillor Rod Taylor said.

“This upgrade will repurpose the park into a quiet space at the northern end of the city where the community can take time out from their busy lives.”

The aspen tree c 1924, looking down McLean St to the harbourfront, with the old Post Office to the right of the picture. Tauranga City Libraries Photo: 01-392

The small reserve on the corner of Willow and McLean Sts has long been known for its historical significance – now Tauranga City Council is progressing plans to upgrade the park with new seating, landscaping and community features.

The latest works follow the recent installation of a large mural by artist Graham Hoete depicting an 1880s Tauranga street-building scene based on a historic photograph of Willow St.

The mural at Aspen Reserve is a reproduction of a photograph taken in the 1800s. Photo / Graham Hoete

Council design team leader Ana Hancock said the reserve upgrade is intended to create a sanctuary-style space in the growing city centre.

“Over the next few weeks, we’re going to start work on upgrades with bench seating, a chess table and other features while cutting back vegetation to make the space brighter and more welcoming,” Hancock said.

“The aim is to upgrade the reserve into a sanctuary space to serve the growing numbers of people we can expect as nearby developments are completed.”

Upgrade works began May 11, with a karakia held before construction started.

The council first approved the concept design for Aspen Reserve in 2017. The plans include casual seating, shade, landscaping and space for small community events while retaining key historical elements such as the stone wall along Willow St.

Hancock said the site holds a unique place in Tauranga’s history.

Aspen Tree from Taumatakahawai Pā (Monmouth Redoubt) c. 1916. Tauranga City Libraries Photo: 10-164.

“Historically, Aspen Reserve was a garden and horse-hitching area for people visiting the nearby post office,” she said.

“Prior to this it was used for growing food – during pre-European times and in the mid-1800s during the colonial era.”

She said Aspen Reserve is one of the few places in Tauranga’s city centre where no building has ever stood although there is a historic stone wall on the Willow St edge.

The reserve was once home to Tauranga’s famous “Aspen Tree” dating to the era of the Battle of Gate Pā (Pukehinahina) and later identified as a cottonwood. It was a local landmark for more than a century before being removed in 2011 because of safety concerns from severe decay and storm damage.

Historic photographs dating back to the 1870s show the tree standing near early government buildings and the old post office precinct.

Tauranga city councillor Rod Taylor at Aspen Reserve as the upgrade gets underway. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The reserve has remained an open grassy space since the tree’s removal. The council periodically revisits plans to upgrade the area as part of wider city centre revitalisation projects.

“As the large construction projects are completed, having this open green space available will be a great outcome for the extra people we have in the city,” Taylor said.

“The upgrade work being done is complemented by the fantastic mural recently completed by Graham, which depicts an historic scene from the city.”

The mural is based on an archival image, depicting a horse and cart alongside workers constructing Willow St, and acknowledges the contribution of mana whenua to Tauranga’s development.

“His [Hoete’s] mural really helps you imagine what it was like all those years ago as Willow St first started taking shape – long before it became the sealed street with footpaths we know today,” Hancock said.