Improvement plans for Mitchell Park to support the Sunday Market and other potential events have become a reality this week.

In October last year, Whakatāne District Council approved spending of $436,500 to build new accessible toilets, better paths, drainage and signs for the park, which is used by hundreds of market goers every weekend.

The improvements have been the subject of critisism from some members of the public who are against the council spending money on items that would increase rates.

They were also hotly contested by some councillors who felt it was a nice-to-have item that could be paused because of difficult financial times.

Mayor Victor Luca and councillors Andrew Iles and Gavin Dennis voted against spending the money.

Drainage work has previously been carried out and the toilets were erected this week. New paving and turf were being laid on Thursday morning. Photo Troy Baker E5404-03