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Hastings Demolishes Historic Farmers' Co-op for New Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. shes-historic-farmers-co-op-for-new-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 2:32 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
      Locale: Hawke's Bay, NEW ZEALAND

Hastings, New Zealand - February 4th, 2026 - A significant chapter in Hastings' history has come to an end as demolition crews began dismantling the iconic Hastings Farmers' Co-operative building this week. The building, a fixture in the town centre since 1926, is being cleared to make way for a new 73-unit residential complex developed by Calder Mason.

The demolition, expected to last approximately two weeks according to a Hastings District Council spokesperson, has sparked renewed debate about balancing heritage preservation with the pressing need for increased housing in the region. While the council approved the project in 2023 following public submissions, heritage groups continue to voice concerns about the loss of a locally significant landmark.

The Farmers' Co-operative building originally served as the central hub for the region's agricultural community, later becoming a Progressive supermarket before transitioning through various businesses over the decades. Its architectural style, representative of the early 20th-century commercial buildings, held a nostalgic value for many long-time Hastings residents. The building wasn't formally protected with a heritage listing, a key factor in the council's approval of the demolition application. This absence of formal protection, however, hasn't quelled the disappointment felt by those who believed the building deserved preservation.

Calder Mason, the developer behind the project, insists the new housing complex is a vital response to the growing demand for homes in the Hastings district. Director Mark D'Arcy stated, "We've listened to the community, and we're really pleased to be able to bring forward this project which will contribute to addressing the region's housing shortage." The complex will offer a mix of apartment configurations and townhouses, aiming to cater to a diverse range of residents - from first-home buyers to downsizers. Initial plans showcase a modern design, a stark contrast to the Co-operative building's more traditional aesthetic.

The housing crisis in the Hawke's Bay region, exacerbated by recent climate events and population growth, has put intense pressure on local councils to approve developments like this one. The Hastings District Council maintains that the benefits of increased housing supply outweigh the loss of the building. Council representatives have highlighted the economic advantages of the development, including job creation during construction and increased spending in local businesses once the complex is occupied. They also emphasize the council's commitment to documenting the building's history before its complete removal.

"We understand the sentimental value attached to buildings like the Farmers' Co-operative," the council spokesperson explained. "That's why we are ensuring a comprehensive record of its history, including photographs, architectural drawings, and oral histories, is preserved for future generations." This documentation will be archived at the Hastings District Archives, accessible to researchers and the public.

However, critics argue that documentation isn't sufficient. The Hastings Heritage Trust has proposed that more could have been done to incorporate elements of the original building into the new development, or to relocate portions of the structure. "A complete demolition feels like a missed opportunity," stated Trust spokesperson Eleanor Vance. "We believe adaptive reuse is often a viable solution, allowing us to honour the past while meeting the needs of the present."

The demolition of the Farmers' Co-operative building serves as a microcosm of a larger debate occurring in towns and cities globally: how to balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the necessities of modern development. Hastings' situation is particularly sensitive given the region's strong agricultural roots and the Co-operative building's historical connection to that heritage. The finished complex will undoubtedly provide much-needed housing, but the loss of this local landmark leaves a void in the town's architectural landscape and raises questions about what other historic structures might face a similar fate in the future. The project's success will likely be measured not only by its contribution to housing supply, but also by how well Calder Mason and the Hastings District Council address the concerns of those who mourn the passing of an era.