Thousands of people have feasted their eyes on the visual delight of the Tom Parker Fountain in Napier since it was built in 1936.

But four months ago, the lights went out after Napier City Council discovered deterioration in the storerooms beneath the fountain.

Council says filling the void is a health and safety matter and is likely to cost $175,000 which includes a structural engineer, Geotech engineer, ground penetrating radar scanning and contractor remedial costs, including site security and fill material.

“Other costs yet to be finalised are for the electrical upgrade, new water pump which is long overdue and resurfacing the fountain pond and centre structure.

“While the work is being undertaken the old electrical services and fountain pumps would be replaced with 21st century technology, which will include new programmable colour changing LED lighting that will be a lot brighter than the earlier lighting.”

It is expected to be up and running in December.

Point Cloud Scanning discovered the issues were under the footpath beneath the Fountain with deteriorated reinforced concrete and reinforcing steel.

The fountain was named after Napier menswear businessman Tom Parker who donated 1000 pounds towards the cost. The Napier Borough Council contributed the additional costs. Parker chose the site on Marine Parade.

The opening ceremony was held at the Sound Shell as the area surrounding the fountain could not contain the thousands expected.

Since then, the Napier landmark has delighted not only locals but people from all around the world.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air