The temporary pop-up park on Devonport Road will get a splash of colour this weekend as part of a collaboration with Creative Tauranga.

A group of local artists – commissioned by Creative Tauranga – will create six unique pieces of artwork on the park's support pillars over the next two weekends, from around 9.30am each day.

A concept image of the pop-up park. Photos: Supplied.

Tauranga City Council is creating the park and 21 additional car parking spaces as an interim measure until the land holding is developed.

The project is one of a number of measures to increase the number of car parks in the city centre until more permanent investment in a car parking building is made.

Mayor Stuart Crosby says the park will transform an otherwise-unused area into a vibrant and appealing space for the community to enjoy.

'The buildings at the site had a range of condition issues that meant they were not viable for strengthening works or suitable for lease,” says Stuart, 'so we decided to put the space to good use by creating a temporary communal area.

'The project means that we'll have an area for our residents and visitors to enjoy, as well as additional car parks.

'It's great to see the park taking shape and I'm looking forward to seeing the artists' finished pieces.”

Creative Tauranga Gallery Curator Millie Newitt says the project will give local artists the chance to create something special in their city.

'This is a great opportunity for some of our wonderful local artists to showcase their talent,” says Millie.

'The community is welcome to watch the progress as these unique pieces unfold. We'd love to see lots of people there to support the artists as they work.”

Demolition work at the site began last month and the project is on track to be completed by December.

The Pop-up park pillars ready to be painted.

ARTIST PROFILES:

Nicola Spijkerbosch

Nicola is a Tauranga artist who has had experience painting murals in the past. She has been involved in projects in Rotorua and Auckland.

Jaz Bennett

Jaz is a recent Waikato Institute of Technology School of Media Arts graduate and an emerging artist currently working at the Tauranga Art Gallery.

Hipara August

Hipara is a Maori artist who will use the story of Mauao as inspiration for the content of his pillar.

Lipika Sen

Lipika is a prolific artist originally from India. She creates multi-dimensional works that include multi-media experiential installations, sculpture, acrylic on canvas, digital drawings, words, sound, music and film.

Birgitt Shannon

Birgitt is a Tauranga artist originally from Perth. She is a full-time painter and has exhibited work at Creative Tauranga and other local galleries.